Stricken kayakers were airlifted to safety from rough seas off the north Pembrokeshire coast yesterday afternoon, Saturday August 24.

RNLI lifeboats from Cardigan and Fishguard, together with coastguard teams from Fishguard, Moylegrove and New Quay, were tasked to Ceibwr Bay to reports of the kayakers in difficulty.

Fishguard’s lifeboat crew were on the town’s carnival field when the call came at 4.34pm.

“Crew were still enjoying the carnival atmosphere when the pagers rang out, and dashed off the field at Lota Park,” said RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat’s post on Facebook.

Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 187 was also sent to the scene.

HM Coastguard Moylegrove said: “Due to the sea conditions it was deemed that the safest method of extraction would be to winch the casualties to safety by Rescue 187 and transfer to waiting Coastguard teams.”

The coastguards reminded sea-goers of the following safety tips:

  • Check the weather forecast, sea conditions and tide times before setting out.
  • Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and make sure you are also wearing suitable clothing.
  • In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.