Porthcawl RNLI were called to assist a young couple cut off by the tide on Sunday afternoon at Southerndown.
Porthcawl RNLI lifeboat Rose of the Shires was launched at approximately 2.30pm after two kayakers made an emergency call to Swansea Coastguard reporting that two people appeared to be cut off by the tide at the cliffs in Southerndown, Bridgend.
The RNLI lifeboat was launched and made good speed to the cliffs where they were met by the kayakers who indicated where the people were cut off. When the lifeboat is required to assist people in this sort of predicament it carries with it a small inflatable boat, enabling a rescue in shallower water without damaging the lifeboat. This inflatable was deployed with two crew members onboard who safely assisted the casualties off the rock and onto the lifeboat.
Once on the lifeboat the crew were able to enquire as to how the couple were stranded. Although English was their second language they explained that they had actually walked there the day before and had been cut off by the tide that evening. After many failed attempts at attracting attention from passing craft and unable to gain a signal from their mobile phones they were resigned to spending the night on the rock. It wasn’t until Sunday afternoon when the kayakers passed by that they were finally able to get assistance.
Once onboard the lifeboat they were transferred to awaiting Coastguards at Ogmore beach suffering no ill effects from their ordeal.
Helm of Porthcawl lifeboat Tim Morgan said “The couple were very lucky that they were spotted by the kayakers as the situation could have been much more serious.”
Lifeboat Operations Manager Phil Missen said “Members of the public need to be aware of the tide when walking along the coastline.” Tide tables can be obtained from local fishing shops, marine shops and tourist information offices.
