Two pilots were discovered sitting on the wing of their aircraft after bringing it down in the sea.
Jim O’Connor and JP Smith had been piloting a microlight aircraft on a journey from Ireland to Italy when circumstances forced them to land in the water approximately 10 miles from the Welsh coastline.
The men had intended to stop overnight at Aberporth in west Wales to refuel before proceeding with their trip, however mechanical problems prompted them to issue a mayday distress call.
They were located 10 miles north-west of Cemaes Head close to Cardigan, sitting calmly on the wing of their inverted aircraft while wearing life jackets, having sustained no serious injuries.
O’Connor expressed his appreciation, stating that finding the right words to convey how thankful they were to everyone who assisted them that evening proved challenging. He noted that from the outset of the rescue operation they recognised they were being attended to by highly competent professionals.
He expressed gratitude to the RNLI teams from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard along with HM Coastguard personnel.
The aviators were conveyed to land by lifeboat and subsequently taken to hospital for assessment.
In a show of appreciation, the duo revisited the Welsh coastline to deliver a contribution of almost €10,000, gathered by the Irish flying community, to those who had rescued them.
A gathering took place at the New Quay RNLI station on June 26, uniting volunteers from all three RNLI stations that participated in the rescue effort.
Smith commented that reuniting with the crews had proved deeply meaningful. He explained that these volunteers abandoned everything to provide assistance and their generosity, expertise and dedication would never be forgotten. He characterised the RNLI as an outstanding organisation and said they took pride in supporting it through fundraising activities.
Ed Hides, the lifeboat operations manager at New Quay RNLI, observed that seeing the pair safe and healthy, merely weeks after such a significant rescue operation, held tremendous significance for everyone concerned. He noted that the unveiling of the commemorative clock together with this remarkable Euro 10,000 donation had come as a complete surprise and demonstrated extraordinary generosity. He conveyed sincere thanks to all contributors, particularly the Irish aviation community, whose backing would enable their volunteer crews to persist in their mission to preserve lives at sea.