Rescue teams were surprised to find two people sitting on the wing of a light aircraft after it crash-landed in the sea off the coast of Wales on Friday evening.
Lifeboat crews and a Coastguard rescue helicopter responded after receiving a Mayday call from the aircraft, which had gone down about 10 miles northwest of Cemaes Head near Cardigan.
The aircraft was travelling from Ireland to Aberporth in Wales, where it was scheduled to refuel before continuing its journey to Italy. After experiencing mechanical problems, the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing on the water at around 6 p.m.
Lifeboat crews from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard, alongside a Coastguard helicopter, were dispatched to the scene. When rescuers arrived, they found both occupants alive, wearing life jackets and sitting on the wing of the partially submerged aircraft.
The pair were rescued and taken aboard a lifeboat before being transported to shore, where they were handed over to the Welsh Ambulance Service and taken to hospital. Both were treated for shock and exposure but were reported to have suffered no serious injuries. They were discharged the following day and later returned to Ireland by ferry.
New Quay RNLI Coxswain Bernie Davies said the aircraft was located quickly and the two occupants were recovered safely. He noted that although they were extremely cold, they remained conscious and responsive throughout the rescue.
RNLI navigator Rees-Tom Jones said the survivors were deeply grateful for the efforts of everyone involved. He also revealed a remarkable coincidence, noting that one of the rescued passengers was the next-door neighbour of an Irish rower the RNLI had rescued during Storm Arwen in 2021.
New Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Ed Hides praised the coordinated response by the RNLI and HM Coastguard, saying the successful rescue demonstrated the importance of teamwork and the rapid response of volunteer crews in emergency situations.
The cause of the aircraft’s mechanical failure is expected to be investigated by aviation authorities.
