A small aircraft that crash-landed off the west Wales coast was en route from Ireland to Italy when mechanical difficulties forced the pilot to ditch the plane into the sea, it has been revealed. Two people had to be rescued from near Cardigan Island on Friday evening. The pair were both extremely cold but conscious and responsive when they were found. The RNLI said they were in shock and spent one night in hospital before being discharged.
Details of the Incident
The microlight—a lightweight, fixed-wing, or weight-shift aircraft—was travelling from Ireland to Aberporth in Ceredigion, where it was due to stop and refuel before continuing its journey to Italy on Saturday. However, after getting into difficulties, the pilot was forced to land on the water, and both occupants were found by rescue teams sitting on the wing of the aircraft as it floated in the sea.
A mayday call was made to HM Coastguard before the emergency landing, and New Quay RNLI was paged to launch its Shannon class all-weather lifeboat. At the same time, RNLI Cardigan’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat and RNLI Fishguard’s Trent class all-weather lifeboat were also sent to the area—approximately nine nautical miles north west of Cardigan Island—along with a Coastguard rescue helicopter.
Rescue Operation
Bernie Davies, New Quay RNLI’s coxswain, said: “RNLI Cardigan’s Atlantic 85 launched and was first on scene with the Coastguard helicopter. The aircraft wreckage was quickly located, floating in the water with both casualties sitting on top, wearing lifejackets. The Cardigan crew brought the lifeboat alongside and safely recovered both individuals on board. The casualties were found to be extremely cold but conscious and responsive. The crew provided immediate casualty care.
“When we arrived shortly afterwards, RNLI Cardigan transferred both casualties to our lifeboat, where they received further treatment, including hot drinks and ongoing casualty care. We then transported the casualties to New Quay harbour, where they were brought ashore at the main pier and handed into the care of the Welsh Ambulance Service before being transferred to hospital.”
Aftermath and Remarkable Connection
Rees-Tom Jones, New Quay RNLI’s navigator, said: “The casualties were in shock and spent one night in hospital before being discharged yesterday (Saturday) and have since taken the ferry back to Ireland from Fishguard. What is remarkable is that one of the casualties is the next-door neighbour of one of the Irish rowers we rescued in Storm Arwen in November 2021. The casualties were extremely grateful for all the help and support they received from every agency involved. It’s moments like this that really highlight the importance of the RNLI and the difference our volunteer crews can make.”
Fishguard RNLI remained on scene to stand by the aircraft while the rescue operation was completed.
Coordinated Response
Ed Hides, New Quay RNLI’s lifeboat operations manager, said: “This was a coordinated multi-agency response that highlights the speed, professionalism and teamwork of RNLI volunteers and HM Coastguard in challenging circumstances. We’d like to thank the crews at Cardigan and Fishguard RNLI, along with the Coastguard helicopter, for their vital support. Working together, we were able to locate and rescue both casualties quickly and ensure they received the care they needed.”
