Local knowledge proved critical in the dramatic night-time rescue of two 15-year- old cyclists who were minutes from being swamped in the treacherous Loughor Estuary.

Rescuers initially headed towards Machynys, on the Llanelli side, to search for the missing boys, but were directed to the correct location in the opposite direction by Swansea coastguard watch manager Steve Matthews.

Campaigners against the planned closure of Swansea coastguard centre fear it is just this kind of vital local knowledge that could be lost.

Following the initial 999 call shortly before 9.40pm on Thursday, Mr Matthews made contact with the boys on their mobile phone and ascertained they were in fact further up the estuary towards Llangennech.

Mr Matthews alerted Loughor inshore lifeboat, Loughor coastguard rescue and an RAF Sea King helicopter from north Devon. Minutes later the duo were located, thanks to a flashing light app on their phone.

Loughor coastguard rescue station officer Nigel Richards praised Mr Matthews.

“What I want to emphasise is that if it was not for the local knowledge of Swansea coastguard, it would have taken a lot longer to search the area,” he said. “There could have been dire consequences.”

Mr Richards said the boys had said there was a lake on one side and the estuary on the other, suggesting they could be near Machynys. But the lake turned out to be a flooding section of the marsh in the opposite direction.

Given such hazardous terrain and the darkness, it is easy to imagine being cut off.

Once spotted, the Sea King helicopter picked up the duo and landed at the foreshore car park at around 10.10pm.

Mr Richards said: “They were very frightened. They thought they were going to drown.”

Mr Richards said early on in the ordeal the father of one of the boys gave the correct advice over the phone — namely to sit tight and wait for the rescuers.

Loughor Independent Rescue Boat coxswain Colin Davies said: “Swansea coastguard should be praised for their quick response to local surroundings.

“Their knowledge was essential in achieving a successful rescue of these two youths before they would have been surrounded by the fast-flooding tide. It could have easily resulted in fatalities.”

The Evening Post is campaigning to retain Swansea coastguard as a 24-hour station.

You can sign the petition at www.saveswanseacoastguard.co. uk; Sainsbury’s, Swansea Marina; Wales National Pool; plus shops and pubs in Mumbles.

Are you the parent or guardian of one of the boys rescued? If so, please call our newsdesk on 01792 514606.

richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk