Two rescued after aeroplane crashed off Welsh coast

Two people have been rescued after their aircraft crashed in the sea off the coast of west Wales.

New Quay RNLI lifeboat station said it received reports from Milford Haven Coastguard on Friday at 18:06 BST that an aeroplane had ditched into the sea approximately 10 miles north-west of Cemaes Head in Pembrokeshire, with two people on board.

The station sent an all-weather lifeboat to the scene, along with a coastguard helicopter, and lifeboats from the RNLI in Fishguard and Cardigan.

"Two casualties were spotted by the helicopter and were recovered by Cardigan lifeboat," New Quay RNLI said.

It added the pair had been transferred to a larger boat for casualty care and later taken to hospital.

The aircraft was travelling from Ireland to Aberporth, where it was due to stop overnight and refuel before continuing its journey to Italy.

Two aircraft were travelling together when one experienced mechanical difficulties, prompting a Mayday call to HM Coastguard before it was forced to ditch into the sea.

Bernie Davies, New Quay RNLI's coxswain said: "The aircraft wreckage was quickly located, floating in the water with both casualties sitting on top, wearing lifejackets."

"Both casualties were brought ashore at New Quay's main pier, in Ceredigion, and handed into the care of the Welsh Ambulance Service, before being transferred to hospital," New Quay lifeboat station said.

Rees-Tom Jones, New Quay RNLI's navigator said: "The casualties were in shock and spent one night in hospital before being discharged [on Saturday] and have since taken the ferry back to Ireland from Fishguard."

Ed Hides, New Quay RNLI's lifeboat operations manager said: "This was a coordinated multi-agency response that highlights the speed, professionalism and teamwork of RNLI volunteers and HM Coastguard in challenging circumstances."

He added that, working together, they were able to "locate and rescue both casualties quickly and ensure they received the care they needed".

The Welsh Ambulance Service said two emergency ambulances and an operations manager were waiting at New Quay's main pier to receive and treat the casualties.

"Both patients were assessed at the scene and conveyed to hospital for further treatment," it added.