Just weeks after a ditching in Cardigan Bay that saw two Irish aviators rescued from the sea, members of the aviation community have helped raise €10,000 for the RNLI stations involved in the life-saving operation.
Last week, pilots JP and Jim returned to New Quay, Wales, accompanied by their families, to personally thank the volunteer crews from New Quay RNLI, Cardigan RNLI and Fishguard RNLI who came to their aid when their aircraft ditched approximately 10 miles offshore on 26th June 2026.
During the visit, the pair presented a commemorative clock and a cheque for €10,000, which will be shared between the three RNLI stations involved in the rescue. The presentation was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, who praised the RNLI volunteers for their ongoing commitment to saving lives at sea.
The fundraising effort was driven largely by the Irish aviation community, reflecting the strong support and camaraderie that exists among pilots and aviation enthusiasts across Ireland.
The incident occurred during a flight from Ireland to Aberporth, Wales. According to the RNLI, the aircraft was one of two travelling together enroute to Italy when it developed mechanical difficulties. After declaring a Mayday, the pilot was forced to ditch in the sea approximately 10 miles north-west of Cemaes Head, near Cardigan. At 18:06, New Quay RNLI’s Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat was tasked alongside Cardigan RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Fishguard RNLI’s Trent-class all-weather lifeboat and a HM Coastguard rescue helicopter.
Cardigan RNLI was first on scene and quickly located the wreckage. Both occupants had successfully evacuated the aircraft and were found sitting on top of the partially submerged wreckage while wearing lifejackets. The casualties were recovered aboard the lifeboat and given immediate care before being transferred to New Quay RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat for further treatment.
The two men were suffering from the effects of cold water immersion but remained conscious and responsive throughout the rescue. They were brought ashore at New Quay Harbour and handed over to the Welsh Ambulance Service before being transported to hospital. Both were discharged the following day and subsequently returned home to Ireland.
The recent visit to New Quay provided an opportunity for the rescued pilots and their families to meet the volunteers who responded on the day and to express their gratitude in person. The €10,000 donation is a significant contribution towards supporting the RNLI’s work and serves as a reminder of the vital role played by the organisation’s volunteer crews around the coasts of Ireland and the UK.
For the RNLI volunteers involved, it was also a chance to see a positive outcome to what could easily have become a tragedy. The successful rescue highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness, lifejackets, effective coordination between rescue services and the professionalism of RNLI crews.
Main Photo: JP and Jim with RNLI volunteers from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard following the presentation of a commemorative clock and €10,000 fundraising cheque.
