A multi-agency rescue effort was launched after a microlight aircraft crash-landed in the sea off the coast of Wales on Friday evening. Two people were rescued from the lightweight aircraft after it ditched into Cardigan Bay near Cardigan Island, an uninhabited nature reserve close to Gwbert in south Wales.
Rescue Operation Details
The incident occurred at around 6pm on Friday, according to the Coastguard. The microlight reportedly got into difficulty approximately nine nautical miles northwest of Cardigan Island, Pembrokeshire. Emergency services, including a Coastguard rescue helicopter, RNLI lifeboats from Fishguard, New Quay, and Cardigan, and the Welsh Ambulance Service, were dispatched to the scene.
Rescuers found the two occupants sitting on the wing of the aircraft in the water. They were recovered by a lifeboat and taken ashore, where they were handed over to the ambulance service. The Coastguard has not disclosed any potential injuries, but it is believed the individuals were not seriously hurt.
Second Incident in Devon
This comes after a separate light aircraft crash near Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon on Friday morning, which resulted in the death of the pilot, a woman in her 40s. Emergency crews, including police, firefighters, ambulance services, and an air ambulance, responded to the scene at around 10am. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police are working with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and have urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances of the crash. Superintendent Jo Arundale stated: "We recognise it is a very sad incident and we are appealing to the public not to speculate regarding the crash. Furthermore, we would like to ask anybody who may have relevant footage to get in touch with us and not to post it online. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the person involved."
