A dramatic rescue unfolded off the coast of Ceredigion on Friday evening after a small aircraft was forced to crash-land in the sea near Cardigan Island. Two people were found sitting on the wing of the microlight before being brought to shore by lifeboat crews.
Rescue Operation Details
The incident occurred at approximately 6pm on Friday, when the microlight encountered difficulties and ditched into Cardigan Bay, approximately nine nautical miles northwest of Cardigan Island, Pembrokeshire. The area is a short distance from the Cliff Hotel and Spa in Gwbert.
Coastguards confirmed that a microlight—a lightweight, fixed-wing or weight-shift aircraft—was involved. Two occupants were located at sea, perched on the aircraft's wing, awaiting rescue.
Emergency Response
A large-scale rescue operation was launched, involving a coastguard rescue helicopter, RNLI lifeboats from Fishguard, New Quay, and Cardigan, as well as the Welsh Ambulance Service. The two individuals were recovered by a lifeboat and taken to shore, where they were handed over to paramedics.
A coastguard spokesman said: "We received a report at around 6pm on Friday of a microlight, with two people on board, that had ditched into the water approximately nine nautical miles north west of Cardigan Island, Pembrokeshire. A coastguard rescue helicopter, RNLI lifeboats from Fishguard, New Quay, and Cardigan, and the ambulance service were all sent. The two people were located sitting on the wing of the microlight. They were recovered by a lifeboat and taken to shore where they were passed into the care of the ambulance service."
Injuries and Aftermath
No official details have been released regarding injuries, but it is believed that the two individuals were not seriously harmed. The aircraft, a microlight, is a type of small recreational aircraft often used for leisure flights. The cause of the incident is under investigation.
