Incidents

Last Updated on Monday, 09 April 2012 23:45

Since the station opened on 31 March 2007 the watch keepers have dealt with 75 incidents including one suicide and two hoax Maydays. The total number of people helped is 133 and includes:-

Rescued from Worm's Head: 47
Accident prevented: 37
Potential stranding: 12
Medical: 20
Missing persons: 5
Vessels: 4
Suicide: 1
Other: 5

Here is a list of the incidents which the watch keepers at NCI-Worm's Head either initiated or actively participated in. The most recent is first. Please click on the incident number to read the details or scroll down the page.

075  07 April 2012.  Six people rescued from Worm's Head.
074  05 April 2012.  One person rescued from Worm's Head.
073  26 February 2012.  Injured girl rescued from Worm's Head.
072  14 November 2011.  Assistance given to enable SAR helicopter to locate casualty.
071  17 September 2011.  Injured man.
070  03 September 2011.  Vessel sailing into danger.
069  05 August 2011.  Collapsed person.
068  04 August 2011.  Lost child.
067  03 August 2011.  Injured child.
066  22 July 2011.  Medical evacuation - injured man.
065  21 July 2011.  Abandoned personal belongings.
064  29 June 2011.  Unidentified object.
063  01 June 2011.  Abandoned clothing and effects.
062  01 May 2011.  Two canoeists rescued from Worm's Head.
061  22 April 2011  Potential stranding.  Two people.
060 15 April 2011.   Hazardous chemical.
059 19 March 2011.  Potential stranding.  Two people.
058 19 March 2011.  Boat in difficulty off Worm’s Head.  Two people.
057 17 March 2011.  Potential stranding, one person.
056 22 February 2011.   Injured child.
055 05 December 2010.   Seven people rescued from Worm's Head.
054 06 November 2010.  Possible missing person.
053 22 August 2010.  Two people rescued from the Worm.
052 08 August 2010.  Potential stranding of 6 people.
051 04 August 10.  Injured man.
050 01 August 2010.  Injured woman.
049 19 July 2010.  Unattended bicycle on cliff.
048 15 July 2010.  Monitoring a vessel’s progress.
047 22 June 2010.  Stranding prevented - two people.
046 28 February 2010.  Person rescued from Worm's Head.
045 27 February 2010.  Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
044 02 February 2010.  Injured person.
043 05 September 2009.  Stranding prevented - three people.
042 19 August 2009.  Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
041 05 August 2009.  Injured woman.
040 18 July 2009.  Injured man.
039 09 July 2009.  Medical emergency - one person.
038 24 June 2009.  Missing persons - two people rescued from Worm's Head.
037 09 June 2009.  Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
036 08 June 2009.  Stranding prevented - two people.
035 06 June 2009.  Stranding prevented - one person.
034 25 May 2009.  Stranding prevented - two people.
033 25 May 2009.  Potential stranding - two people.
032 25 May 2009.  Injured person.
031 24 May 2009.  Stranding prevented - one person.
030 23 May 2009.  Stranding prevented - three people.
029 21 May 2009.  Stranding prevented - two people.
028 08 May 2009.  Injured person.
027 04 May 2009.  Stranding prevented - two people.
026 30 April 2009.  Cliff rescue.
025 20 April 2009.  Hoax Mayday.
024 16 April 2009.  Injured person.
023 16 March 2009.  Stranding prevented - two people.
022 15 March 2009.  Injured surfer.
021 09 March 2009.  Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
020 01 March 2009.  Stranding prevented - two people.
019 22 February 2009.  Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
018 20 February 2009.  Person missing.
017 20 February 2009.  Stranding prevented - two people
016 06 February 2009.  Stranding prevented - seven people.
015 22 December 2008.  Person taken ill.
014 03 October 2008.  Injured woman.
013 27 September 2008.  Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
012 10 August 2008.  Hoax Mayday.
011 10 August 2008.  Missing persons.
010 10 June 2008.  Injured man.
009 08 June 2008.  Missing persons.
008 11 May 2008.  Fishermen prevented from drowning.
007 18 March 2008.  Body recovered from Worm's Head.
006 29 October 2007.  Stranding prevented - one person.
005 06 October 2007.  Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
004 27 August 2007.  Nine people rescued from Worm's Head.
003 25 August 2007.  Three people rescued from Worm's Head.
002 30 May 2007.  Three people rescued from Worm's Head.
001 29 April 2007.  Two people rescued from Worm's Head.

075  07 April 2012.  Six people rescued from Worm's Head.
top The watch keepers advised Swansea Coastguard that the causeway had flooded and at least two people were stranded.  Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) was tasked.  The siren was sounded as a warning but had no effect.  The loud hailer was used to instruct the people to go back to the island.  This was acknowledged and the people returned to the Worm.  Rhossili CRT arrived on scene.  Horton ILB was launched.  Then 4 more people appeared from the south side of the Inner Head.  Horton ILB arrived on scene, recovered the six people in two trips and returned them to the mainland.  Horton ILB returned to base via a sweep of the Worm to check that some fishermen were staying on the Worm intentionally.

074  05 April 2012.  One person rescued from Worms Head.
top A man was seen walking across the rocky causeway to Worms Head 10 minutes before the causeway was due to flood.  The siren was sounded as a warning but the person continued and was seen to cross Devil's Bridge.  Swansea Coastguard was informed and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) tasked.  When the CRT arrived on scene the members were briefed by the watch keepers.  Eventually the person arrived back at the notice board at the south east end of the Inner Head.  The CRT requested that the lifeboat be deployed.  The Horton ILB arrived on scene, retrieved the man from Worm and landed him at Kitchen Corner.  Horton ILB departed for precautionary check of Worm and, with nothing found, it returned to station.  The watch keepers established that the man was Italian and hadn't understood the notices or the siren warning.

073  26 February 2012.  Injured girl.
top Swansea Coastguard contacted the duty watch keepers regarding a 999 call they had received from a member of the public on Worm's Head concerning a 12 year old girl who had fallen 8ft and injured her ankle.  The accident occurred on the south eastern end Worm's Head and the watch keepers were asked to observe and report.
Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) arrived on site and a detachment crossed to the Worm to assess the casualty.  They determined that she had suffered head injuries as well and an air ambulance was requested.  Helimed 57 was unavailable so the Search and Rescue helicopter Rescue 169 was tasked and arrived in about 15 minutes.  The winchman was lowered to the casualty and the helicopter then landed on a small area of grass near the bell.  When the casualty had been prepared for lifting, the winchman and casualty were winched on board the helicopter which departed for A&E at Morriston Hospital.

072 14 November 2011.  Assistance given to enable SAR helicopter to locate casualty.
top During routine monitoring of radio traffic, the duty watch keepers noted that a rescue of a fallen rock climber was being organised. Rescue 169, the RAF SAR helicopter from Chivenor, had been tasked together with the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team. Using their binoculars, the watch keepers could see the location of the incident and the people gathered around the casualty.  While monitoring the progress of the rescue one of the watch keepers rang Swansea Coastguard with details of the incident's position. Using channel zero the Coastguard passed the information on to the rescue helicopter which quickly recovered the casualty and transferred him to hospital.

071  17 September 2011.  Injured man.
top A member of the public reported that an elderly man had fallen on the rocky causeway.  When he was helped to his feet he fell again and hit his head.  Swansea Coastguard was informed who tasked the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) to attend and, because it was a head injury, requested an ambulance.  The CRT arrived on site, located the casualty and administered first aid.  They helped him up the cliffs, transferred him to their Land Rover and drove him to their base in Rhossili village to await the ambulance which was expected in about 20 minutes.

070  03 September 2011.  Vessel sailing into danger.
top A twin-hulled motor vessel, assumed to be fishing, was observed sailing back and forth close to the edge of Crabart – a tide washed rocky area about half a mile south west of the lookout.  However, since the visibility was poor and there was a strong on-shore wind, the watch keepers were concerned for its safety as it would be in danger of being blown onto the rocks if it had an engine malfunction.  They contacted Swansea coastguard to advise of a possible safety issue.  The coastguard contacted the vessel by radio.  The crew stated that they were fishing and had no problems.  The coastguard informed the watch keepers and enquired about the name of the vessel but the poor visibility prevented the watch keepers making an identification.  The coastguard also asked about weather conditions at the time and asked the watch keepers to maintain a watch on the vessel.  This was done and eventually it sailed away from the area.

069  05 August 2011.  Collapsed person. 
top The manager of the National Trust Shop at Rhossili arrived at the lookout to report a member of the public in a poor state, following a possible fit on the track down from the gate.  He reported the casualty was in a dazed condition and was bleeding from the mouth possibly from a bitten tongue.  The watch keepers relayed the message to Swansea Coastguard who tasked Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT).  When the CRT arrived on scene, they requested an ambulance.  The air ambulance arrived with a paramedic who arranged for the casualty to be moved to the CRT's base near the main car park.  The air ambulance repositioned to the car park.  The land ambulance arrived and the casualty was transferred to it and taken to hospital.

068  04 August 2011.  Lost child.
top A woman came to lookout in distress and asked the watch keepers if they had seen an 8 year old boy who was on his own.  A description of him and his clothes was obtained.  He’d been missing for about 20 minutes.  His family had arranged to cross to Worms Head and the boy was last seen near the Worms Head Hotel.  The area was checked visually but there was no sign of the boy.  Swansea Coastguard was contacted via 999 and the mother talked to them, giving details.  Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) was tasked, conducted a search and found the boy who was brought to the lookout and reunited with his mother.  The CRT drove them back to the hotel.

067  03 August 2011.  Injured child.
top A woman brought her son to the lookout; his knee was bandaged with a shirt.  She explained that his knee was gashed to the bone.  The bandage was not removed.  Swansea Coastguard was informed and they tasked the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team who collected the boy from the lookout and transferred him to the car park so that the boy’s parents could take him to A&E at Morriston Hospital.

066  22 July 2011.  Medical evacuation - injured man.
top Swansea Coastguard contacted the watch keepers as they had received a call regarding a fisherman who had slipped and hit his head.  He was bleeding profusely. Since his location was not far from the look out, the Coastguard provided the watch keepers with the general location of the casualty (alongside the Vile – the medieval field system nearby) and asked that they carry out a visual search to find him.  The watch keepers searched the area using binoculars but could not see the casualty.  Swansea Coastguard was informed.  Meanwhile, Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) had been tasked.  They located the casualty at a different part of the Vile and administered first aid.  The Air Ambulance (Helimed 57) was requested.  The casualty was carried in the CRT’s Land Rover to the clear area near the look out where team members deployed a smoke flare.  The helicopter landed near the lookout.  Following attention by the paramedic, the casualty was taken on board the helicopter and evacuated to Morriston Hospital.  The CRT then recovered the casualty’s fishing gear and vehicle and returned to base.  Some photos taken during the rescue can be seen here .

065 21 July 2011  Abandoned personal belongings.
top During a routine cliff patrol and walkie talkie radio check, the watch keeper observed a rucksack and fishing gear on rocks near the shoreline but there was no sign of the owner.  Concerned that the owner had fallen and was injured, Swansea Coastguard was provided with the grid reference of the items.  Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) was tasked to investigate.  Before they arrived the watch keeper who was at the cliff edge making a visual search of the area, spotted the probable owner some distance away on the rocks but heading back towards the equipment.  Swansea Coastguard was informed.  When the CRT arrived the watchkeeper in the lookout updated them and they left.

064 29 June 2011  Unidentified object.
top The watch keepers had kept an unidentified object on rocks at Crabart under observation for some time and had not seen anyone in the vicinity.  Having discussed the situation at length with Swansea Coastguard, the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) was tasked.  The team leader used the telescope in the lookout to scan the area but was unable to identify the object and so decided to investigate.   It was only after his examination of what turned out to be waterproof clothing that he spotted the owner some considerable distance from his belongings and made his way over to speak to him.  The owner was invisible to the watch keepers at the lookout at all times and indeed had not been seen by  the team leader until he began his return from the water's edge.  The person concerned was advised to keep his belongings close to him in future.

063  01 June 2011.  Abandoned clothing and effects.
top During a cliff-top patrol a binocular scan revealed what looked like a black rucksack, grey and red jacket and a fishing rod near the path at the bottom of the cliff.  The watch keeper returned to the lookout and informed Swansea Coastguard.  Prior to the patrol the local police had called at the lookout and asked that if any abandoned clothing and fishing equipment was found they wished to check whether it might have belonged to a deceased person washed up on Rhossili beach a few days earlier.  A police incident number was provided.  Two members of Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) arrived and one was escorted on foot by the watch keeper to the sighting point.  The second team member followed in the vehicle.  Using binoculars, both coastguards confirmed the appearance of clothing, etc. and went to investigate.  They recovered a sleeping bag and a crab line attached to a long cane with red flags attached.

062  01 May 2011.  Two canoeists rescued from Worm's Head.
top An inflatable canoe was seen heading around the Outer Head of the Worm.  After 40 minutes it had not come back into view so the NCI watch keepers informed Swansea Coastguard.  Shortly after, the Coastguard rang the watch keepers asking for further details then radioed the Sea Serpent (tourist RIB) asking if they had seen the canoe.  They hadn't but would keep in touch.  Sea Serpent then radioed the Coastguard to say that one of their crew had seen the canoe through Devil's Bridge and subsequently reported seeing the canoeists ashore on the Worm.  Sea Serpent picked up the canoeists and their canoe and took them in to Rhossili Beach.  Sea Serpent then returned to the Sound on the north side of Worm's Head.  The watch keepers could hear the Coastguard and Sea Serpent attempting to contact each other on Channel 16 and 67 without success.  The Coastguard contacted NCI requesting that they contact Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) to pass on the present location of the casualties as they could not raise the CRT on Channel 0.  CRT arrived at the lookout and were redirected to beach to contact the casualties.

It subsequently transpired that the canoe had, in fact, had a problem and the two-man crew had come ashore to deal with it.  When they were sighted on the Worm by the Sea Serpent they had already deflated the canoe and were heading back - though the tide was on the flood and they wouldn't have had enough time to get across to the mainland.

061  22 April 2011  Potential stranding.  Two people.
top Two men in their 20s were advised by the watch keepers that it was “too late to cross” to Worms Head.  They replied - “we'll only have a look”.  The men were sighted on the seaward side of crossing.  The siren was sounded as a warning but there was no response.  Swansea Coastguard was informed.  The crossing flooded and later the two men were sighted on top of the Inner Head.  An update was passed to the Coastguard who asked the watch keepers to stay on duty to monitor the situation.  Subsequently, the two men waded back to the mainland, taking photographs of each other.  The Coastguard was notified and the incident was closed.

060  15 April 2011.   Hazardous chemical.
top A person called at the lookout to report a sealed container of phosphoric acid which had been washed up on stones just to the left of the main steps down to Rhossili Beach.  The watch keepers passed on the information to Swansea Coastguard who tasked Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team to inspect.  Further action involved the Fire and Rescue Service and the Environment Agency who are responsible for the safe removal of the container.

059 19 March 2011.  Potential stranding.  Two people.
top Two people were seen on the outer head near the time the crossing was due to flood.  In the event, the flooding was 20 minutes later than predicted but the two people still hadn’t left the inner head.  Swansea Coastguard was informed.  A warning was given by siren.  Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) was paged by Coastguard.  The two men waded across knee-deep.  CRT on site, CG informed that men had crossed.  The CRT interviewed the men and then left the scene.  The men were embarrassed but said they had seen two fishermen (not visible from lookout) and had imagined they would be OK.  They had approached the crossing on their way out without passing any of the warning notices.

058 19 March 2011.  Boat in difficulty off Worm’s Head.
top Swansea Coastguard requested that we look for small vessel reported by Police to be drifting 5 miles west of Worms Head after a fire had been extinguished on board.  The people on board were thought to be foreign nationals.  NCI watch keepers reported that two vessels could be seen but further searching found a third.  The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) was paged and answered by the team leader who happened to be walking nearby with his family.  A second member of the CRT arrived in their vehicle and took over communications with MRCC.  Although all the boats were small and 3 or more miles away, descriptions, bearings and distance were given to the coastguard.  Since the casualty vessel did not have a radio, only sporadic communication was possible via their mobile phone.  Eventually, the casualty was identified as the third vessel spotted and this was confirmed when it was just possible to see a person on this vessel waving and a black flag was being displayed.    It was discovered that one of the people on the boat had gone into the water to try to swim to safety but had given up and returned to the boat.  Burry Port RNLI Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) was tasked and launched.  NCI continued to observe and report to the CRT as we were able to move our telescope to a position where we could get a better angle of view of the vessel.  The ILB reached casualty and towed it to Burry Port harbour.

057 17 March 2011.  Potential stranding, one person.
top A person was seen on the outer head of Worm’s Head 15 minutes before the crossing was due to flood.  Swansea Coastguard was informed and they asked to be kept informed.  Two attempts were made to attract the man’s attention using the siren.  To try and stop the man going into the water a verbal warning was given but he waded across anyway.  Swansea Coastguard was informed and the incident closed.  The Korean man subsequently apologised; he had misread the tidal information on internet.

056 22 February 2011.   Injured child.
top A man called in to the lookout to report that his daughter had fallen and hit her head on rocks and had been unconscious for some 2 minutes.  She had recovered consciousness and walked slowly with her mother to the grassy area below the lookout.  Swansea Coastguard was informed and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) and Helimed 57 were tasked.  The child walked to the helicopter which conveyed her to Morriston Hospital.  The CRT stood down.

Update. 
Today, the 23rd, the girl's father contacted our Station Manager to say that she spent nearly 24 hours under observation in Morriston Hospital but got the all clear from the doctors early this afternoon.  Now she is safely back home.  He expressed his thanks to the NCI watch keepers and also to the CRT and the Air Ambulance.

055  05 December 2010.   Seven people rescued from Worm's Head.
top Two people were observed crossing Devils Bridge (near the middle of Worms Head island) 10 minutes prior to the expected flooding time of the crossing.  Swansea Coastguard were warned of a possible stranding.  Another two people appeared from the south side of the Inner Head and started to cross to the mainland across the rocks which were already flooding. They were warned by the watch keepers, using a loud hailer, to return to the island.  The Coastguard were informed of the stranding.
The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) arrived on scene. 
Then two more people were observed returning from the outer end of Worms Head followed shortly after by another person.
The RNLI's Horton Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) arrived on scene and relayed the seven people to the mainland in two journeys.  The ILB then circled the island, confirmed there were no more casualties and returned to station. Rhossili CRT then stood down.
Five of the casualties were surfers and they visited the NCI Look Out to thank the watch keepers for initiating the rescue.
Click here to read a press release about this issued by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

054  06 November 2010.  Possible missing person.
top A member of the public (MoP) reported to the watch keepers that they had seen a dog sitting by a pile of clothes which also included a pair of trainers and a pair of walking boots. The grid reference of the location was provided.  Swansea Coastguard was advised and they spoke directly to the MoP to get more details.
The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) was deployed.  They arrived on scene and searched the area.  Nothing was found so it was assumed that the person had returned and taken the clothes and dog.

053  22 August 2010.  Two people rescued from Worms Head.
top Two people were observed on the Worm after the crossing had flooded.  Swansea coastguard was advised and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) and the RNLI Horton Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) were tasked.  The ILB collected the casualties and delivered them to the mainland at Kitchen Corner where they were helped up the cliffs by the CRT.  The ILB returned to station.  The CRT interviewed the man and woman and then stood down.

052  08 August 2010  Potential stranding of 6 people
top Swansea Coastguard were informed that there were six people still on Worms Head ten minutes before the predicted flooding time of the crossing and that rescue might be required.  The Coastguard telephoned for an update on the position of the people and were advised that they were approaching the start of the crossing.  During a further update the Coastguard informed the watch keepers that Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) had been tasked as had Horton Inshore Lifeboat (ILB).  The CRT arrived on scene and the members were able to monitor the people wading back to the mainland.  The ILB was advised to return to station.  The CRT interviewed the people (American and French students) and then stood down.

051  04 August 10.  Injured man.
top MOP reported that a young man had fallen on the rocks below the lookout but out of sight of the watch keepers.  He had sustained a serious injury to his left leg.  Swansea Coastguard was informed who then spoke directly to the first informant.  One of the watch keepers took the first aid kit and blankets down the cliff where one of the casualty’s companions – a trained first aider – took over.  The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) was deployed and the Air Ambulance arrived and took the casualty to Morriston Hospital.  The CRT stood down.

050  01 August 2010.  Injured woman.
top A woman called at the lookout after falling on her way back from the Worm with her companion.  She had suffered several cuts and grazes to her arm and leg.  The watch keepers helped with first aid.

049  19 July 2010.  Unattended bicycle on cliff.
top A bicycle in good condition, locked and with a helmet slung from saddle was noted by watch keeper on cliff patrol.  Later that evening, two people called at the lookout to say that they had seen the bicycle there three or four days earlier.  They had had not passed that way in the meantime but it was in the same place as before.  Swansea Coastguard was informed of the position of the bike.  They said they would inform the police who duly came and removed the bike.  The following morning a man was observed packing up a tent.  He had been camping on the cliff since Friday but had been striking the tent during the day and leaving the bike when he didn't need it.  He was given the relevant contact number for the police.

048  15 July 2010.  Monitoring a vessel’s progress.
top Watch keepers monitored a call from Swansea Coastguard to Rhossili Mobile Coastguard, regarding a motor cruiser out of Burry Port heading west.  The watch keeper informed HMCG that that they could see the vessel which was close to Burry Holms and proceeding west.  HMCG was also informed that there was sheltered anchorage to the north of Worms Head if required.  HMCG instructed Rhossili mobile to stand down as NCI Worms Head were monitoring the situation.  HMCG rang NCI Worms Head requesting an update of bearing and position of the vessel in 30 minutes time.  This was done but further updates were not possible as the vessel was no longer visible.
HMCG informed Worms Head that there were fears that the vessel was under-powered and not in particularly good condition.  It was 68 feet long and was heading for Norway.  The name was unconfirmed, possibly the Fantasy, but the concern was that she was running into further foul weather.  No further action was required as the vessel was hoped to be proceeding towards Milford Haven.
Uncertainty as to the whereabouts of the MV continued through the afternoon and HMCG Milford Haven rang the lookout to ascertain the events of the morning and issue a general instruction to keep surveillance.  They had investigated anchorages in the Tenby and Saundersfoot area to no avail.  Finally, at 17:45, HMCG Milford Haven announced that the vessel, the Fantasy, had been sighted in the Milford Haven and that the Port Control was directing it in to dock in the Milford Marina. More

047  22 June 2010.  Stranding prevented - two people.
top Swansea Coastguard were made aware by landline that there were two men on the Worm (Inner Head) and the crossing was due to flood in five minutes.  Simultaneously, a watch keeper used the loud hailer to try and attract their attention.  The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) arrived on scene by which time the men were slowly making their way towards the mainland. 
The crossing flooded five minutes later than predicted and one of the men crossed.  The second man stayed on the Worms Head side for a few minutes and then waded across.  The Rhossili CRT was happy no one else was in danger and departed.

046  28 February 2010.  Person rescued from Worm's Head.
top A person was seen climbing to the top of the Inner Head at the time the crossing was predicted to flood.  The Coastguard was informed of the likely need for rescue and the Horton and Port Eynon Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) was tasked together with the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT).  The person was transferred to the
mainland at Kitchen Corner by the ILB and assisted up the cliffs by the CRT where she was interviewed and conveyed to Rhossili village.

045  27 February 2010.  Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
top With fourteen minutes left before the predicted flooding time, two men were seen approaching the Low Neck area of the Worm heading towards the mainland.  The Coastguard was informed that it was likely the men would be unable to cross to the mainland.  By the time the watch keepers reported that the men were again visible and were rounding the south east end of the Inner Head the crossing was flooded.  The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) was deployed and the Horton and Port Eynon lifeboat tasked.  An NCI watch keeper went to the cliff path and used the loud hailer to persuade the men not to attempt to wade across and to return to high ground.  In spite of language difficulties they did this but not before ringing 999 on a mobile phone and contacting the ambulance service.  The Coastguard was continually updated by the watch keeper in the lookout over a land line.  As the ILB arrived on scene the Air Ambulance (Helimed 57) arrived and landed on the Worm.  The ILB recovered the men and delivered them to the mainland at Kitchen Corner where they were helped up the cliff by the CRT.  The ILB returned to station.  After interviewing the men, who were Chinese, the CRT returned to station.  Click here for photos of the rescue.

044  02 February 2010  Injured person.
top The Station Manager (SM) received a call at home from a lady who reported that her husband had phoned her to say he had fallen and injured his leg.  SM passed the details to the duty watch keepers. one of whom assisted the injured man to the lookout.  One of the watch keepers, a trained nurse, examined the casualty and his wife was phoned to reassure her.  Casualty's wife arrived at the look out from where the couple were conveyed to the car park to collect their car and drive home.  They were contacted later by the Deputy Station Manager to check that all was OK.

043 05 September 2009  Stranding prevented - three people.
top Three people were observed crabbing after the crossing was flooded. 
Swansea Coastguard was advised and the loud hailer used to alert the people who waded back safely.  Swansea Coastguard were informed and the incident closed.

042 19 August 2009.  Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
top The crossing to Worm's Head was already flooded when two people were seen on the far side of middle head.  Swansea Coastguard was informed and the horton ILB was brought to standby while the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) was tasked to investigate.  The CRT found a position where they could see the people and noted that they had erected a tent which was out of sight of the lookout. Swansea Coastguard were updated and the ILB was stood down and the CRT returned to base.

041 05 August 2009.  Injured woman.
top A member of the public came to the look out having damaged her wrist in a fall on Worms Head.  During a short rest period in the lookout she and her husband decided that she would call at the surgery  at Scurlage en route to Singleton Hospital A&E Unit.  The couple left and made their own way to the Rhossili Car Park.

040 18 July 2009.  Injured man.
top A fisherman arrived at the lookout to ask for help for an injured companion who was in pain and had difficulty in breathing having fallen and hurt his ribs.  The Swansea Coastguard was informed and the casualty made comfortable in the lookout.  The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team arrived on scene followed soon after by the Air Ambulance. The casualty was examined by paramedics, transferred to the helicopter and taken to Morriston Hospital. More ...

039 09 July 2009.   Medical emergency.  One person.
top A member of the public ran to the lookout and informed the watch keepers that one of a party of schoolgirls taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh's Award exercise was experiencing breathing difficulties and having convulsions.  The Swansea Coastguard was informed.  One of the watch keepers went in his car with the informant to collect the girl and brought her to the lookout where she was given warm clothing and made comfortable.  The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) arrived on scene accompanied by an anaesthetist who was in the area and heard there was a problem.  The CRT took the girl and anaesthetist to Rhossili car park where she was transferred to an ambulance and taken to hospital.

038 24 June 2009.  Missing persons - two people rescued from Worm's Head.
top The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) arrived at the lookout following a report by fisherman that they had found two pairs of shoes and a duffel bag on the rocks below the lookout.  Following a visual search, the watch keepers observed two people in wet suits on the Middle Head of the Worm and informed the CRT.  One of the people was then seen to be attempting to swim across the sound and the CRT was updated.  The swimmer gave up the attempt and the CRT requested that the lifeboat be tasked.  While the Horton and Port Eynon lifeboat was en route the police arrived at the lookout to take charge of the items that had been discovered in case bodies were found.  The lifeboat picked up the people but radioed to say the bag, etc. did not belong to them.  Therefore, it was suspected that there were more people in danger on the Worm and the lifeboat crew offered to search around the Worm for them.  Then, the father of the people turned up and the police took him to see the personal effects which he confirmed belonged to his sons.  When the rescued people were landed the CRT interviewed them and they agreed that all the items were theirs.

037 09 June 2009.  Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
top Two people appeared on the top of the Inner Head 15 minutes after the crossing flooded.  The Swansea Coastguard was advised.  The watch keepers attempted to contact the people but it was 12 minutes before they could establish that the walkers didn't wish to stay on Worm's Head.  The coastguard was updated and they deployed the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT).  The walkers were advised to leave the crossing and return to the Inner Head to await rescue.  Following a delay in launching, the Horton and Port Eynon ILB arrived, picked up the casualties and transferred them safely to the mainland.

036 08 June2009.  Stranding prevented - two people.
top Two people were observed on the grass at the base of inner head 15 minutes prior to the time that the crossing was predicted to flood.  The loud hailer was used to attract their attention and the men crossed safely to the mainland.  The two Austrian tourists thanked the watch keepers.

035   06 June 2009.   Stranding prevented - one person.
top A fisherman was seen heading further out on Crabart which was already separated from the rest of the crossing to the Worm by a flooding tide.  The loud hailer was used to attract his attention.  He noted his predicament and paddled to safety.

034   25 May 2009.  Stranding prevented - two people.
top Two people were seen starting to cross to the Worm at the time the crossing was due to flood.  The loud hailer was used to attract their attention.  The couple responded and returned to the mainland.

033   25 May 2009.  Potential stranding - two people.
top Two fishermen were seen fishing from the far side of the Inner Head, 20 minutes before the crossing was due to flood.  The loud hailer was used without apparent effect.  A member of the public reported to the watch keepers that the fishermen intended to stay on the Worm.  No further action taken.

032   25 May 2009.  Injured person.
top A member of the public reported to the watch keepers that a lady had fallen on the Inner Head out of sight of the lookout.  An ankle injury was suspected but although the casualty said she was OK she was still sitting down.  The Coastguard was informed and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) was deployed.  Team members located the casualty and reported she was mobile and did not require medical assistance.  The CRT stood down.

031   24 May 2009  Stranding prevented - one person.
top Ten minutes before the crossing was due to flood, a person was seen at Devil's Bridge moving towards the outer head.  The loud hailer was used without any apparent success.  Later, the person came into view on the Inner Head running towards the mainland and paddled across as the crossing flooded 12 minutes late.

030  23 May 2009  Stranding prevented - three people.
top Three people were seen crossing to the Worm 15 minutes after the crossing was due to flood.  The loud hailer was used to attract their attention and they returned safely to the mainland.  The crossing flooded 35 minutes later than predicted.

029   21 May 2009  Stranding prevented - two people.
top Two people were seen heading out on the south east side of the Worm ten minutes before the crossing was due to flood.  The loud hailer was used to attract their attention and the walkers returned safely to the mainland.

028    08 May 2009.  Injured person.
top A lady reported to the watch keepers that her mother had injured her ankle on the crossing to Worm's Head.  Swansea Coastguard was informed.   The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team was deployed and they moved the casualty to an area where the Air Ambulance could land.  The airborne paramedics transferred the casualty on a stretcher into the helicopter which took her to Morriston Hospital.

027    04 May 2009.  Stranding prevented - two people.
top Two people were seen fishing from rocks on the approach to Worm's Head a few minutes before the crossing was due to flood.  Swansea Coastguard was informed. The loud hailer was used and the two men returned safely to the mainland.  Swansea Coastguard was updated.

026    30 April 2009.  Cliff rescue.
top A member of the public reported that a man was stuck half way up the cliff and was shouting for help.  Swansea Coastguard was informed and one of the watchkeepers went to investigate.   The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) assembled.  The watch keeper returned and informed the Coastguard that the man had scaled the cliff unaided and wasn't shouting for help but shouting at the gulls.  The CRT stood down and the man walked back to the car park.

025    20 April 2009.  Hoax Mayday.
top Swansea Coastguard rang the lookout to ask the watch keepers to conduct a visual search for any vessel in difficulty after they had heard part of a Mayday. Nothing was seen. Further Mayday from the casualty mentioned that it was near the old lighthouse which was assumed to refer to Whiteford lighthouse. A ski boat and fishing vessel in the area joined the search but found nothing. Swansea Coastguard broadcast a Pan Pan for any vessel with knowledge of a vessel in distress to report but had no response. Swansea Coastguard called off the search and classified the incident as a hoax call.

024    16 April 2009. Injured person.
top A member of the public informed the watch keepers that a young man had fallen about 20 feet on the outer Worm cutting his leg. A doctor, who was nearby, confirmed that no bones were broken. The Coastguard was informed and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) was deployed. Team members went onto the Worm with a stretcher. The air ambulance arrived on scene and transferred the casualty to Morriston Hospital. Subsequently, the casualty's rucksack was handed in to the lookout by a member of the CRT and one of the watch keepers delivered it to Morriston Hospital on his way home.

023    16 March 2009. Stranding prevented - two people.
top Two people were seen crossing the rocks towards Worm's Head close to the predicted flooding time. The loud hailer was used to attract their attention which was successful at the second attempt and they turned back.

022    15 March 2009. Injured surfer.
top Swansea Coastguard informed NCI watch keepers of an injured male who needed to be airlifted from the south side of Worm's Head. The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team was deployed but then subsequently re-tasked to another incident. Two of the team remained with the NCI watch keepers in case the helicopter needed to land. SAR helicopter 169 arrived, picked up the casualty who had a dislocated shoulder and transferred him to Morriston Hospital.

021    09 March 2009. Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
top Two people were seen walking out towards Devil's Bridge 40 minutes before the crossing was predicted to flood. Attempts to attract their attention with a siren failed due to the strong wind. The Coastguard was informed of the developing incident. The couple were seen at the Low Neck heading for the mainland but with only 5 minutes left before flooding. The Coastguard was updated and the Horton and Port Eynon ILB was tasked as was the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team. The couple attempted to cross but the NCI watch keepers used the loud hailer to advise them to return to the island. The ILB crew advised that the weather conditions were too bad to continue so the Coastguard tasked RAF SAR helicopter 169 which lifted the couple off the Worm and transferred them to the mainland. More...

020    01 March 2009. Stranding prevented - two people.
top Two people were seen heading out along the top of the Inner Head 25 minutes before the crossing was predicted to flood. The Coastguard was informed. The loud hailer was used to alert the walkers to the risk. All returned to the mainland safely and the Coastguard was advised accordingly.

019    22 February 2009. Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
top At least five people were seen on the outer Worm only 25 minutes before the crossing was predicted to flood. Coastguard advised. Later, a group of four were seen approaching the crossing which had just flooded. The Coastguard was updated and the Horton and Port Eynon ILB was tasked. Attempts to contact the group with the loud hailer were unsuccessful and they paddled across with difficulty. The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team arrived and two more people were seen approaching the south eastern end of the Worm where they stopped. The ILB arrived and transferred the two people to the mainland.  Click here for a photo of the rescue.

018    20 February 2009. Person missing.
top A lady reported to the NCI watch keepers that her husband had last been seen walking on Worm's Head. By now the crossing was flooded. The Coastguard was informed and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team was deployed and found the gentleman in the car park at Rhossili.

017    20 February 2009. Stranding prevented - two people.
top Two people were seen walking towards the inner head with only 15 minutes remaining before the crossing flooded. The loud hailer was used to try to attract their attention while the Coastguard was informed. Second attempt with the loud hailer was successful and the people headed back towards the mainland. The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team was on station but the couple crossed safely.

016    06 February 2009. Stranding prevented - seven people.
top Seven people were seen to be attempting to cross to the Worm. It was 45 minutes before the predicted flooding time but the state of the tide suggested this might be early. Siren and hand signals used to direct the people safely back to the mainland. The crossing flooded 20 minutes earlier than predicted.

015    22 December 2008. Person taken ill.
top Swansea Coastguard received a report of a person collapsed near Worm's Head and asked the NCI watch keepers to investigate. Nothing was seen. The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team arrived. Shortly after the Coastguard rang to say that the casualty, a 12 year old boy, was located in the Worm's Head Hotel and an ambulance had been called. No further action required from the NCI watch keepers or the Rescue Team.

014    03 October 2008. Injured person.
top The casualty and her husband asked at the lookout for directions to the nearest A&E unit. They were visitors to the area and the woman had fallen on the rocks and broken and badly gashed a finger. The Coastguard was informed as a matter of routine and they called an ambulance. While waiting the casualty started suffering from shock. The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team arrived on scene to oversee the air ambulance landing. The paramedics assessed the casualty and the helicopter transferred her to Morriston hospital.

013    27 September 2008. Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
top Two people were seen on the outer Worm and then heading round the Inner head towards the mainland 2 minutes before the crossing was predicted to flood. The Coastguard was informed and the people were told by loud hailer to remain on the island. The Horton and Port Eynon ILB was launched. The Coastguard advised that the people had used a mobile phone to contact the emergency services. The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team was deployed. The ILB took off the people and transferred them to the mainland.

012    10 August 2008. Hoax Mayday.
top NCI watch keepers commenced a visual search following a report of a vessel with engine failure 10 nm SW of Worm's Head. SAR helicopter 169 tasked to carry out a search. A lifeboat was also involved. After about an hour and three quarters the Coastguard confirmed that the police had traced the call which had been made inland and was a hoax.

011    10 August 2008. Missing persons.
top A lady reported that her son and his girlfriend were missing. Coastguard advised. Watch keeper helped with a visual search of the immediate area. Father rang his wife to say that the son and girlfriend had turned up at their car in the car park.

010    10 June 2008. Injured man.
top A fisherman reported that his companion had slipped, injured his ankle and was unable to climb back up the cliff. The Coastguard was informed and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team tasked. One of the NCI watch keepers went and sat with the casualty until the Rescue Team arrived. The casualty was brought to the cliff top, placed in the Coastguard vehicle and taken to the car park to meet the ambulance.

009    08 June 2008. Missing persons.
top Swansea Coastguard contacted NCI Worm's Head after receiving a 999 call regarding two people reported to have been missing for three hours. They were members of a party of four that were "coasteering" at Worm's Head. The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team was deployed and two members crossed to search Worm's Head. After 45 minutes the missing persons were found and reunited with the party. They had got into difficulty in the water out of sight of the look out, been rescued by a fishing boat and landed at a village some way along the coast from where they had hitch hiked back to Rhossili.

008    11 May 2008. Fishermen prevented from drowning.
top Three fishermen were seen attempting to cross from the Worm when the crossing was still flooded. The Coastguard was informed and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team deployed. The Horton and Port Eynon ILB was launched. A watch keeper using a loud hailer advised the fishermen to stay where they were. Due to the state of the tide, the ILB was unable to get close to the men so a crew member entered the water and went across to advise them to remain until the tide fell. The ILB and Rescue Team were stood down. The fishermen waded across in spite of further advice from the NCI watch keeper.

007    18 March 2008. Body recovered from Worm's Head.
top A member of the public reported seeing a body at the outer head of the Worm. The Coastguard was informed and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team, the Horton and Port Eynon ILB and an ambulance were tasked. The ILB conveyed police out to the scene and returned with the body which was taken away in the ambulance.

006    29 October 2007. Stranding prevented - one person.
top A fisherman was spotted on Crabart which is an area of rocks that gets cut off by the tide before the main crossing is flooded. The siren was used to attract his attention and he managed to wade to safety.

005    06 October 2007. Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
top Fourteen people were seen on the Worm after the crossing flooded earlier than predicted. The Coastguard was informed and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team deployed. Twelve people waded across but another two were sent back by the Coastguard. The Horton and Port Eynon ILB was launched and transferred the two people to the mainland.

004    27 August 2007. Nine people rescued from Worm's Head.
top The Coastguard was informed that nine people were seen to be stranded on the Worm. The Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team was deployed and the Horton and Port Eynon ILB was launched. Several trips were required to transfer everyone to the mainland.

003    25 August 2007. Three people rescued from Worm's Head.
top Several people were still on the Worm after the crossing was flooded. Two paddled across, four waded across with difficulty, two were turned back by an NCI watch keeper and another two appeared and waited with the others. The Coastguard was informed and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team deployed. The Horton and Port Eynon ILB was launched, took off the four people in thick fog and transferred them to the mainland.

002    30 May 2007. Three people rescued from Worm's Head.
top Three people were sighted on the Worm after the crossing flooded. The Coastguard was informed and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team deployed. RAF SAR helicopter 169 was tasked. People were winched on board and transferred to the mainland.

001    29 April 2007. Two people rescued from Worm's Head.
top Two people were seen attempting to cross to the mainland after the crossing was flooded. Following a warning from an NCI watch keeper they returned to the island. The Coastguard was informed and the Rhossili Coastguard Rescue Team deployed. The Horton and Port Eynon ILB was launched, picked the people up and transferred them to the mainland.