04-08-2025
Man airlifted to hospital after getting into trouble at Barry Island
Man airlifted to hospital after getting into trouble at Barry Island
The casualty could not be rescued by sea because he was stuck and in too much pain
A coastguard rescue helicopter was called to assist in the rescue
(Image: RNLI)
An emergency rescue operation came to the aid of a 61-year-old man who suffered a suspected broken ankle after falling on rocks near Barry Island. The incident took place at Dams Bay, east of Rhoose Point.
The coastguard sent Barry Dock's RNLI volunteer crew to the man's aid, but when they reached him, they were confronted with a challenging situation. He wasn't able to be rescued by sea because of his pain levels, and the rocky location where he was located.
A coastguard rescue helicopter was then called to the scene to assist, and the man was winched into the helicopter and flown to hospital.
The casualty had been able to call the coastguard for help himself, as he had a fully-charged mobile phone. The RNLI encouraged anyone heading to the coast to do the same, whilst offering other safety advice following the incident.
THE RNLI responded to the emergency
(Image: RNLI)
A statement from the RNLI read: "Barry Dock RNLIs volunteer crew were tasked by HM Coastguard at approximately 5.15pm on Sunday, August 3, to assist a 61-year-old man who had sustained a suspected broken ankle after falling on rocks at Dams Bay, east of Roose Point.
"The inshore lifeboat (ILB) launched with three crew members on board and made best speed in lumpy, choppy seas.
"On arrival at the scene, it quickly became clear that extraction by sea was not a viable option due to the casualty's pain levels, the nature of his injury, and the rocky location.
"Following discussion with Barry Coastguard Rescue who were on scene and given the challenging conditions with the potential for further injury, the decision was made to request helicopter assistance.
"Coastguard rescue helicopter 187 was dispatched to extract the casualty from the rocks.
"The ILB remained on scene to provide support until the casualty was successfully winched into the helicopter and flown to hospital for treatment.
"The lifeboat then returned to station, where she was washed down and made ready for service."
How it looked at the scene
(Image: RNLI)
Helm of the Barry Dock inshore lifeboat, Chris White, said: 'No matter how prepared you are, we know accidents can happen. Thankfully the casualty had a fully charged mobile phone and was able to call the coastguard for help.
"The coordinated multi-agency response between the coastguard rescue team, the helicopter crew, and our volunteer lifeboat crew meant we could reach the casualty quickly and safely, despite the conditions.'
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The RNLI advises that if you're heading to the coast, always check the tide times and weather conditions, wear appropriate footwear, and take a means of calling for help.
In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
