Two fishermen swept into sea trying to get to Sully Island

One fisherman was trying to cross to Sully Island and was swept off the causeway.

His companion tried to rescue him and also got into trouble.

Milford Haven Coastguard made an ‘all ships call’ to aide in the rescue.

D-Class Inshore and Shannon All-weather lifeboats were launched, along with Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 187 from St Athan. Welsh Ambulance Service and HM Coastguard Penarth were also involved in the operation.

The fishermen were eventually saved by two people dining at a local restaurant nearby.

The fishermen got into particular difficulty being laden with full fishing equipment - a heavy fisherman's jacket was recovered later in the day.

Both men came away from the ordeal with minor injuries.

The fishermen were rescued by two locals (Image: RNLI)

On the incident, a spokesperson for RNLI said: “On Saturday, August 10, an all ships call by Milford Haven Coastguard went out to reports of two persons in the water off Sully Island. 

“Both our D-Class Inshore and Shannon All-weather lifeboats launched, along with Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 187 from St Athan and Bay Island Voyages in attendance.

"It was confirmed that two fishermen were in the water off Sully Island. 

“One person had been swept off the causeway by the current of the out-going tide, who was trying to cross to get onto Sully Island, with the other person entering the water to help rescue. 

“The casualties who had been laden with fishing equipment which has been lost; with the quick reaction from two locals at the restaurant ran to their aid pulling them out of the water to safety back onto the mainland.

“Being met by Barry Coastguard, Welsh Ambulance and HM Coastguard Penarth, both were checked over, with minor cuts and bruises and slight shock from the quickness of the ordeal and strength of the tide, both were otherwise safe and well. 

“A final sweep of the area was carried out while Barry Dock Lifeboat recovered a heavy fisherman's jacket completing a final shore-line search.” 

One of the fishermen was trying to get on Sully Island (Image: RNLI)

RNLI went on to remind the public of the dangers of trying to cross to Sully Island.

The spokesperson added: “Please ensure when visiting the coast that you know what the wind and tide forecast is.  An offshore wind with inflatables can act as a sail and carry the inflatable and person out to sea at considerable speed. 

“Although the tide at Sully Island was out-going in this instance, the current across the causeway is still strong and will sweep you off your feet, being dragged out to sea into Sully Bay.

“Know your surroundings, know your emergency plan.  In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”