Rescuers are shocked to find plane crash survivors sitting on the aircraft… floating off the coast of Wales

Rescuers responding to a plane crashing into the sea off the coast of Wales were shocked to see survivors sitting on the plane’s wing.

RNLI lifeboat crew and an HM Coastguard helicopter rushed to the scene on Friday evening following a Mayday call of a light aircraft carrying two people crashing about 10 miles northwest of Cemaes Head, near Cardigan.

The plane was traveling from Ireland to Aberporth, a village in Wales, where it would stop overnight to refuel before heading towards Italy.

However, after experiencing mechanical difficulties, the microlight aircraft, a light, fixed-wing or weight-shift aircraft, was forced to land at sea around 6:00 p.m.

RNLI lifeboat crews from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard were called to attend the crash just minutes later by Milford Haven Coastguard, where they responded along with the Coastguard rescue helicopter.

When Coast Guard volunteers arrived at the scene, they found two passengers sitting on the wing of the plane, uninjured and wearing life jackets.

The two survivors were immediately taken to shore in a lifeboat and handed over to the Welsh Ambulance Service before being transported to hospital.

Both were in shock following the incident and spent a night in hospital before being discharged on Saturday. They have since returned to Ireland on a ferry from Fishguard in Pembrokeshire.

RNLI lifeboat crew and an HM Coastguard helicopter rushed to the scene on Friday evening following a Mayday call from a light aircraft.

The two survivors were immediately taken to shore in a lifeboat and handed over to the Welsh Ambulance Service before being transported to hospital.

Bernie Davies, New Quay RNLI Coxswain, said the wreckage of the plane was ‘quickly located’ and both passengers were found ‘sitting on top, wearing life jackets’ floating in the water.

Ms Davies said: ‘The Cardigan crew docked the lifeboat and safely rescued both people on board. The injured were seen to be extremely cold but conscious and responsive. The crew provided immediate casualty care.

‘On arrival a short time later, RNLI Cardigan transferred both casualties to our lifeboat; Here they received further treatment, including hot drinks and ongoing casualty care.

‘We then transported the casualties to New Quay harbour, where they were disembarked at the main pier and handed over to the care of the Welsh Ambulance Service before being transported to hospital.’

New Quay RNLI navigator Rees-Tom Jones added passengers were “extremely grateful” for the help and support they were offered following the incident.

Mr Jones said: ‘The injured were in shock and spent a night in hospital before being discharged yesterday (Saturday) and have since been ferried back to Ireland from Fishguard.

‘Remarkably, one of the casualties was next door to one of the Irish rowers we rescued in Storm Arwen in November 2021.

‘The injured were extremely grateful for the help and support they received from every agency involved. ‘It’s moments like these that really highlight the importance of the RNLI and the difference our volunteer teams can make.’

New Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Ed Hides said: ‘This was a co-ordinated, multi-agency response that highlighted the speed, professionalism and teamwork of RNLI volunteers and HM Coastguard in challenging conditions.

‘We would like to thank the Cardigan and Fishguard RNLI crew and the Coastguard helicopter for their vital support. Working together we were able to quickly locate and rescue both victims and ensure they received the care they needed.’