The Port Talbot inshore lifeboat was called out at 7.20pm on Friday 8 October after an immediate call from local coastguard of a surfer in imminent danger of drowning.
Due to horrendous surf conditions, the lifebaot had to be conveyed to an alternative launch site in the River Afan.
The lifeboat was soon on scene with the local coastguard firing a parachute flare to illuminate the casualty.
The 15 year old male surfer had been in the water with two friends who had been able to make it back to shore, but he was unable to do so because of the sea conditions.
The surfer was found clinging to his board and was taken on board the lifeboat.
Rescue Helicopter 169 from RAF Chivenor was also tasked and on arrival the paramedic on board was winched down onto the lifeboat to assess the casualty .
He was found to be okay and not in need of any medical treatment, and the paramedic returned to the helicopter.
The casualty was then taken back to the River Afan and re-united with his parents.
The lifeboat was then recovered and returned to station.
The 2nd ‘shout’ on Friday 8 October was when the Port Talbot lifeboat was again called at 9.25pm after the local coastguard received a call from the police of an 80 year old male who had been missing for most of the day.
The lifeboat was launched to assist the coastguard in searching the area as several sightings were reported by members of the public of something in the water.
Shortly afterwards the police discovered the person in the local hospital with cuts and bruises.
The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station.
The lifeboat was called out for a third time in three days on Sunday 10 October.
At 12.20pm, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Swansea and the Porthcawl lifeboat astked Port Talbot lifeboat to assist and escort a 26 foot sailing boat under way to Swansea marina from Porthcawl.
There were great concerns over this condition of the boat.
Porthcawl lifeboat escorted the boat half way to Swansea and Port Talbot inshore lifeboat picked up the escort from them.
Port Talbot lifeboat escorted the vessel to the River Tawe at Swansea where it was tied up securely outside the marina lock to await the next tide.
The lifeboat then returned to station.
