The volunteer crew of the Mumbles lifeboat had to rescue two fishing boats in 1 hour on Saturday afternoon. At approximately 2.30pm Swansea Coastguard received a call from a 5m fishing boat drifting from the safety of the sheltered bay towards the Mixon sands.
The boat with two adults and two children on board was safely taken back to Knab rock at Mumbles. Meanwhile a second call was taken from an 3m inflatable with two adults onboard which had engine trouble which was reported to be in the same position. By the time the lifeboat had returned to the original position the 8ft dinghy had drifted almost 2 miles out into the Bristol Channel.
Mumbles lifeboat crew member Russell Davies said
‘The first vessel was difficult to track down but fortunately Swansea coastguard could see the fishing boat in trouble from the station. The second however was almost impossible to spot and they had drifted a long way from their reported position. We asked for the assistance of a passing yacht called “Sea Monkey” which had a higher position above the water and could see the dinghy, we’re very grateful to them for their assistance. The second vessel was taken to Mumbles Knab rock.
