Volunteer lifeboat crews in Barry were called into action on Wednesday evening — just 15 minutes after their D‑class lifeboat had been declared back on service following a day of essential maintenance.
HM Coastguard issued a mayday after beachgoers reported seeing two sea swimmers some distance offshore in choppy, “lumpy and bumpy” conditions, fearing they may be in difficulty.
Although the crew had only just left the station, they immediately turned back. Within seven minutes of the call being received, the D‑class lifeboat was launched and heading toward the reported location.
Because the incident had been declared a mayday, Coastguard teams at Milford Haven broadcast a mayday relay asking any nearby vessels to assist. Both Barry Harbour pilot boats responded alongside the volunteer crew.
Once on scene, lifeboat volunteers spoke with the swimmers and confirmed they were experienced and not in need of help. After ensuring there was no ongoing risk, all responding teams were stood down.
The lifeboat crew thanked members of the public who raised the alarm, noting that from the shore it can be difficult to judge whether someone is in trouble — especially in rough conditions.
They added that anyone who believes a person may be in difficulty at the coast should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, emphasising that crews “would always rather launch and find everything is OK than arrive too late.”
The charity also praised the swift response and teamwork of HM Coastguard and the Barry Harbour pilot boat crews.
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