An after dark operation saw Tenby RNLI joined by fellow rescue services to come to the rescue of an injured fisherman near Manorbier, after cries of help were heard during the early hours of the morning, after the man had fallen on rocks the night before.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat the Haydyn Miller was launched shortly after 2 am on Thursday, July 20, following a report from the skipper of a local fishing boat who could hear someone shouting for help from the cliffs near Manorbier.

Due to the lack of light, they could only make verbal contact, but confirmed the casualty had fallen the previous evening and had been unable to raise the alarm.

The lifeboat volunteer crew were on scene just 12 minutes later and immediately began searching the cliffs with powerful search lights and soon located the casualty using specialist night vision equipment.

Tenby RNLI rescue
The spotlight shone on the area where cries were heard from (Tenby RNLI)

They then contacted members of Tenby and St Govans cliff rescue teams onto the casualty and provided light and safety cover while they assessed the situation.

Due to the difficult extraction route and extent of the casualty’s injuries, it was decided to task Coastguard rescue helicopter 187.

The helicopter was overhead a short time later and the casualty was winched and flown to hospital for treatment.

The lifeboat was then stood down to return to station, arriving at 5 20 am.