Fisherman trapped in muddy sand is rescued by lifeguards
A 60-YEAR-OLD fisherman was rescued from a potentially fatal incident in Swansea Bay last night.
Lifeboat crews, Swansea Coastguard, an ambulance and an RAF Sea King helicopter were dispatched to the scene at the beach adjacent to Swansea University at 6.15pm.
Emergency services found the fisherman trapped up to his waist in muddy sand and water around 400 metres from the shore.
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crew members were on their way to a charity fundraiser and had just finished their normal day's shift when they heard about the incident on their radio.
Lifeguard supervisor Chris Vaughan saw the fisherman was distressed and struggling.
His colleague, senior lifeguard Jo Price, helped him pull rescue boards off their truck.
She said: "We paddled out on two boards and we found the man stuck in muddy sand and water up to his waist, he was shocked and his feet were lodged so firmly he couldn't move.
"We used a combination of the two boards to manoeuvre under his arms and roll the man over at an angle and him on to one of the boards.
"We then paddled him in on one board, while the other board was used to bring his fishing gear to shore.
"He was obviously very shaken by what happened and was checked over by the ambulance crew who had by then arrived."
Mr Vaughan said it was clear the incident was escalating rapidly and notified the Coastguard.
He said: "Despite the fact that we were not on duty, we knew we were the closest to the casualty and best placed to help."
Divisional lifeguard manager for Wales Neil Thomas was also on the beach at the time.
He said: "Without hesitation, these two lifeguards offered their assistance without a second thought for being off duty or of not having ever patrolled at this beach.
"I think that shows the exceptional professionalism of RNLI lifeguards.
"I know Chris or Jo wouldn't expect any extra recognition for what they did but it was gratifying to find out that the Coastguard made a special point of thanking the pair for their quick-thinking intervention."
Were you the person rescued? If so, please contact our newsdesk on 01792 514606.
7 Comments
by Anne, Aberavon
Friday, July 30 2010, 9:29PM
“Well said Huw and well done to the two lifeguards who help the poor man.”
by Huw, Home
Friday, July 30 2010, 7:12PM
“Good thing they got him out before Heather Mumbles got there with her camera and dick whacker!”
by clarysage50, Somerset
Friday, July 30 2010, 6:53PM
“At least these lifeguards DID something to help instead of quoting health & safety rules first - well done both of you ....you are a credit to the RNLI.”
by meirion, Swansea
Friday, July 30 2010, 6:03PM
“If this man was a local man he would know that there is a lot of Quick Sand in Swansea Bay! If you look at an O.S map of this area you will see that there are Quite a few scattered around. There are also a lot of defunct cockle Beds which are only silt.
No doubt he is thankful to the R.N.L.I for his rescue but it is a warning to others to be wary of this area.”
by rich, swansea
Friday, July 30 2010, 4:51PM
“He still put himself in that position, he should have known better. If people want those who cost the tax payers money through getting themselves into self inflicted situations then it has to apply to all, not just picking and chosing who should pay and who shouldn't.”
by Edna, Swansea
Friday, July 30 2010, 4:07PM
“Come on Rich its hardly the same thing is it? That was a drunken plonker showing off in front of friends and / or family and deliberately going into the tide - he fully deserves to be billed for being an idiot. I have lived near the beach all my life and have never known someone get stuck up to their waist in mud. This man was hardly drunk or showing off. You expect quicksand conditions in the estuarys etc not Swansea Bay. It must have been terrifying for him.”
by Rich, swansea
Friday, July 30 2010, 1:47PM
“People the other day were ranting and raving saying that the party goer who was rescued in Aberavon beach should be made to pay the rescue costs because it was self inflicted. Well, this was also self inflicted, wonder if the same people will be ranting on this thread saying he should pay the costs.”