On Saturday 6 February at 10.20am both St Davids’ RNLI all-weather and inshore lifeboats, under the command of coxswain David John Helmsman Neil Thomas respectively, launched following reports of a surfer in difficulties off Newgale Beach.

A member of the public had reported seeing a surfer at the north end of Newgale Beach who appeared to be in difficulties being swept along with tide.

Both lifeboats arrived on scene within 25 minutes and commenced a search between the beach between Newgale and Cwm Bach at Penycwm.

St Davids coastguard team had also been deployed and an RAF rescue helicopter had been scrambled from Chivenor.

Once on scene the helicopter with its aerial advantage sighted the surfer in a cave. Due to rough sea conditions with big swells and breaking surf, it was decided that the best way to evacuate the surfer was by helicopter.

Once the sufer had been airlifted he was transported to Withybush Hospital by helicopter. Both lifeboats then returned to station, rehousing at 12.20pm.