Tenby’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch following a report to Milford Haven Coastguard that an adult and a child had been washed off rocks in heavy seas at Broadhaven shortly after 5.30 pm last Friday.

The lifeboat was on the water within minutes, with the volunteer crew making best speed towards Broadhaven, some 11 miles west of Tenby.

When the lifeboat was a few miles from the scene, further details came through from Milford Haven Coastguard stating that coastguard teams on shore had confirmed that the casualties had managed to climb a rock off-shore from Broadhaven.

However, they said there was an eight-foot swell pounding the rocks, meaning that rescue by sea was probably not possible so the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter from St. Athan, Rescue 187 was tasked.

The Haydn Miller was requested to stand off and provide safety cover.

The helicopter was overhead 15 minutes later and lifted both casualties to safety, before dropping them ashore to the awaiting coastguards and paramedics.

The lifeboat was then released and returned to station.

Whilst returning from the shout, the lifeboat was requested to check on the safety of a kayak seen passing through the Sker rocks in rough seas.

The coastguard had taken a call from the deputy launching authority at the lifeboat station stating that the sea conditions were not really suitable for a kayak.

The lifeboat was soon alongside the kayaker and advised him to return to and stay in Tenby’s North Bay where it was more sheltered from the southerly swell.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving at 7.10 pm.