Review of 2006
2006 was a very busy year for the station with 56 incidents to date. January may have been an indication of what was to come it started with 7 incidents out of which 4 used helicopter assistance.
One of which was the rescue of a man from the water which earned the lifeboat crew a number of awards and seen Rescue helicopter 169 pluck the remaining crewman from the vessel before it over turned in the surf. On the 22nd there were 3 incidents all within a short space of each other. Then a run of similar incidents including cars stuck on the beach and missing children and adults.
Unfortunaly while trying to deal with call of collapsed people hart attack victims and vessels in distress, we also seen a few hoax calls start to creep back in. These pointless calls could kill someone if we are on a wild goose chase while someone is in need of assistance.
There was a few notable calls during the summer one to a unconscious child aged 3 which the lifeguards very professionally dealt with and seen her make a recovery before the Para medics arrived. They were also involved indirectly with saving the life of a fisherman who was washed off the pier in bad weather conditions only a few weeks ago.
Incidents 2006 to Dec 30th 57
Medi Vac 3
Vessel Distress 7
Search 10
Hoax inc Good 4
vehicle 3
Bridge Incident 3
missing children 4
first aid 2
EPERB 1
cut off 1
Person in water 13
Porpoise 2
Children playing chicken 2
Ordance 2
We also had to close the beach off when a maroon fired to alert the lifeboat crew failed to go off and came back to earth. This was then later explored by the bomb disposal unit from the royal navy Plymouth. The weather has also been interesting with some very strong winds which made for some bad seas which attracted crowds to the seafront the only problem with this is that some people are putting themselves and their children in real danger. Please if you're going to watch these conditions respect that they are dangerous and watch from a safe distance.
For a full run down of the calls we had over the year see the incidents link above. Please keep your self safe in 2007 and if you're ever in need of advice contact your local coastguard station or co-ordination centre.
Pier Aberavon Beach
There has been a few incidents this year on the north pier Aberavon beach.We wish to remind people of the dangers. As stated by Associated British Ports. 1.The structure is private property.It is a breakwater to aid navigation to the docks and river.This structure is not designed or intended for use by the public.The elements can make the surface slippery. 2.If you have reason to access this structure then you MUST take care for YOUR safety and that of others. Access is entirely at YOUR own risk.
Beware of wave wash
Beware of high winds
Do not climb on the rocks
Do not run or cycle
Supervise children
Use caution at all times do not use during hours of darkness.
May I also add if you are going to use the pier please check both tide and weather forecast.
Remembrance Sunday 2006
The crews of Port Talbot Coastguard and Lifeboat again took part in this years services.The wreath`s being placed by Mr Arthur Aurbrey Rtd and Mr Ron Jones.Port Talbot Sea cadets also pictured took part in a service on saturday in the town centre.
20th Feb Children in danger
Tasked after receiving two reports from members of the public concerned by children dodging waves on seafront.Large numbers of children spoken to and advised on the dangers of doing this.One group of 30 children of different ages was mostly all wet and with the sea crashing on to the top of the prom they can count themself`s very lucky.
Porthcawl Crew.18th Feb
Port Talbot RNLI Inshore Lifeboat recovered a 45gallon oil drum from the sea whilst on exercise. Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service attended to recover the drum. As the contents of the drum were unknown, a full chemical incident was declared. The drum was made safe by the Fire & Rescue Service and the Environment Agency removed the drum for disposal. Porthcawl Coastguard Rescue Team were also in attendance as cover for Port Talbot Team who were on a training exercise.
Should you need to contact the MCA at any time the MCA's Infoline is available 24 hours a day on:
Tel: 0870 6006505
or write to: MCA Infoline, Tutt Head, Mumbles, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA3 4HW.
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Review of 2006
One of which was the rescue of a man from the water which earned the lifeboat crew a number of awards and seen Rescue helicopter 169 pluck the remaining crewman from the vessel before it over turned in the surf. On the 22nd there were 3 incidents all within a short space of each other. Then a run of similar incidents including cars stuck on the beach and missing children and adults.
For a full run down of the calls we had over the year see the incidents link above. Please keep your self safe in 2007 and if you're ever in need of advice contact your local coastguard station or co-ordination centre.
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