Rescuers were surprised to find two plane crash survivors sitting on the wing of their aircraft, which had ditched into the sea off the coast of Wales on Friday evening. The two individuals were en route from Ireland to Aberporth, Wales, intending to refuel before continuing their journey to Italy.
Following a Mayday call, RNLI lifeboat crews and a HM Coastguard helicopter were dispatched to the location approximately 10 miles north-west of Cemaes Head, near Cardigan. The microlight aircraft experienced mechanical difficulties and ditched into the sea around 6:00 p.m.
Crews from New Quay, Cardigan, and Fishguard RNLI, along with a Coastguard rescue helicopter, arrived to find the two passengers sitting on the aircraft's wing, wearing life jackets. They were reported to be cold but conscious and responsive.
Rescuers provided immediate casualty care on board the lifeboat before transporting the individuals to New Quay harbour. They were then handed over to the Welsh Ambulance Service and taken to a local hospital.
Both survivors were in shock and spent one night in the hospital before being discharged on Saturday. They have since returned to Ireland via ferry from Fishguard. One of the rescued individuals is reportedly the next-door neighbor of a rower previously rescued by the RNLI in 2021.
Officials praised the coordinated multi-agency response, highlighting the speed, professionalism, and teamwork of the RNLI volunteers and HM Coastguard in what were described as challenging circumstances. The successful rescue underscored the importance of the RNLI's volunteer crews.