New Quay's all-weather and inshore RNLI lifeboats were launched at 3.45pm yesterday afternoon (11 February), following reports a man jumping from cliffs attached to a parachute had crashed. Milford Haven Coastguard requested the launch of both New Quay RNLI lifeboats after the alarm was raised about the incident, which happened on 500 metre high cliffs between the 'Old Lookout' and Cymtudu.
RNLI lifeboats carried out a detailed search of the area and the inshore RNLI lifeboat located a large piece of fabric, which turned out to be a parachute. An RNLI volunteer aboard the all-weather lifeboat then located the casualty through binoculars approximately 300 metres high in the cliffs surrounded by undergrowth.
Rescue helicopter 169 from RAF Chivenor was called to the scene and the RNLI crew directed the rescuers towards the man.
Martin Jones, relief RNLI coxswain at New Quay says: 'The gentleman was very lucky the call came when it did, as it was still light enough for us to search in good conditions. Half an hour later and the light would have been fading fast and we may never have found him. We were able to direct the helicopter to his exact position and he was skilfully winched to safety and taken to hospital.'
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