Swansea Coastguard was this evening involved in the rescue of four people from the sea; 2 miles from the mouth of the river Usk, near Newport.
They received a call at 16:50 hrs this afternoon from the bulk carrier `Astir'' who alerted them to the incident. A seaman on deck reported hearing whistles and cries from the water. The rescue helicopter R 169 from RAF Chivenor was immediately scrambled to the scene along with RNLI lifeboats from Penarth (inshore and `D'' class).
The lifeboats successfully located the casualties and took them on board. They were then winched onto the helicopter and transferred to Cardiff Royal Infirmary. It is understood that the condition of one of the casualties is critical. Coastguards have subsequently located a capsized vessel in the area from which the casualties are thought to have come from.
The weather conditions in the area are favourable with a southerly wind blowing force 2/3. Calm sea and good visibility.
Eric Birkett, Watch Manager at Swansea Coastguard said:
" All four are extremely lucky. Had it not been for the vigilance of the seaman aboard the `Astir;'' we would not have known about the casualties. All four were wearing lifejackets and this was influential in keeping them afloat and drawing attention to their plight."
