OVER the last two days the crew at Angle RNLI have spent just over 22 hours afloat as part of a major multi agency search operation at Marloes Sands following reports of a missing 14-year-old swimmer.

At 3.34pm on Sunday, August 30 Angle All-Weather Lifeboat was tasked to immediate launch following multiple 999 calls to the coastguard reporting three persons were in difficulty in the water at Marloes Sands and although that two had now self-recovered, a 14-year-old boy was unaccounted for.

The lifeboat launched shortly after and made best speed to Marloes. Once on scene, the crew began conducting an immediate search of the area. With nothing found, the crew extended their search further along the coast before stepping out and carrying out a reciprocal search. At this point, the crew were passed their first set of formal search instructions.

Over the next eight hours the crew worked tirelessly completing multiple search patterns covering likely areas as requested by the coastguard.

Also in attendance were St David’s and Tenby All-Weather Lifeboats, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Dale, Broad Haven, St David’s and Llansteffan, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R924 and Coastguard Fixed Wing Aircraft R224, Dyfed Powys Police and their Marine Unit, 3x Milford Haven Port Authority pilot vessels and multiple other leisure and commercial vessels.

After hours of searching all assets were stood down around midnight, and following a refuel in Milford Marina the crew were back alongside and ready for further service by 2am.

Just six hours later, at 8:16am on Monday morning the crew were tasked again to continue the search efforts.

Working alongside Little Haven Inshore Lifeboat, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Dale, Broad Haven, St David’s and Llansteffan, a Coastguard Drone Team, Dyfed Powys Police and their Marine Unit, a Milford Haven Port Authority pilot vessel, Milford Haven Harbour Patrol and multiple leisure and commercial vessels, the area was once again thoroughly saturated.

Having conducted thorough shoreline searches from St Ann’s Head up to Broad Haven North, including Skomer and Skokholm Islands, at 4.15pm the crew returned to the jetty for a crew change and quick welfare break before relaunching.

By 5pm the lifeboat was back on scene and recommencing searches, this time working in conjunction with the Coastguard Drone Team to conduct a low water search of the shoreline around Marloes Sands and the surrounding area.

At 7.30pm, with nothing found and no new information to go on, the search was formally suspended and the crew were stood down with thanks, and the lifeboat was back alongside her berth and ready for further service by 8pm.

A huge thank you goes to the lifeboat crew who have shown immense dedication over the past two days, and a thank you goes to Milford Haven Coastguard for their fantastic coordination and support in what has been a lengthy and tiring incident for the crew.

“Our thoughts are with the swimmer’s family and friends at this difficult time,” added a spokesperson for Angle RNLI.