SWANSEA COASTGUARD URGE BOAT USERS TO ALWAYS BE PREPARED



Swansea Coastguard is urging boat users to always be prepared when going out on the water, after an incident involving four adults and a baby off Porthcawl. The group was in need of assistance after their cabin cruiser lost engine power and found themselves inadequately prepared for being on the water.

The request for assistance came at (Friday), Swansea Coastguard requested the launch of the Porthcawl RNLI lifeboat and sent Coastguard Rescue officers from Porthcawl to assist with visual observation and be on scene for their arrival into harbour.

Bernie Kemble, Watch Manager at Swansea Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said:

"We were aware of the cabin cruiser on passage from Swansea to Porthcawl and had made contact with them on a mobile phone for reassurance of their safety as we were concerned with their inadequate navigation lighting and safety equipment aboard.  It was shortly after this call that assistance was requested and the lifeboat was on scene to assist.  The mother and young baby were taken to Porthcawl harbour and the cruiser was then secured at moorings in the harbour.

Coastguard Rescue officers were on scene to offer safety advice.

This incident was brought to a successful conclusion but illustrates the need to put to sea well prepared, with all the necessary equipment on board a well maintained vessel.”

For further information on safety and how to be prepared before setting sail visit the MCA website www.mcga.gov.uk under leisure and the seaside.

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Duty Press Officer
Office hours: 023 8032 9401Mobile: 07764 624 505
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at www.mcga.gov.uk

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