SIX PEOPLE RESCUED AFTER BEING CUT OFF AT WORM’S HEAD

Six holidaymakers were taken ashore by the Horton and Port Eynon RNLI lifeboat this afternoon after Swansea Coastguard had to send rescue resources to bring them back to the mainland when they became cut off by the tide.

Worm’s Head, near Rhossili in the Gower Peninsula, is accessible by crossing a causeway which is exposed approximately 2.5 hours before and after low tide.  At 4.25 this afternoon, the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) based at Worm’s Head, contacted Swansea Coastguard to let them know that numerous people had walked over to Worm’s Head but not returned, and that the causeway was flooding, meaning they would be unable to get back to shore.  Swansea Coastguard sent the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene, who confirmed that there were six people in need of rescue.  Swansea Coastguard requested the launch of the RNLI Horton and Port Eynon lifeboat, which made two trips to bring the six people (aged between 20 and 30 years old) safely back to shore, where they were met by the Coastguard Rescue Team and given safety advice.

Will Parfitt, Watch Manager, Swansea Coastguard said:

“The pleasant weather today has meant that large numbers of people have chosen to walk across the causeway to visit Worm’s Head.  However, unfortunately some of these people have not taken heed of the tide times posted in several locations in proximity to the causeway, and were unable to make their way back to the mainland without assistance.  We would strongly urge anyone wishing to visit Worm’s Head to review the times for safe crossings before setting out, or ask the advice of the NCI who are stationed at the lookout point, and never make the crossing unless there is sufficient time to safely return to the mainland.”

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