PENARTH Coastguard had a busy week dealing with the recent flooding and storms.

On Friday morning, January 3, they were despatched to Chepstow to assist with flood rescue work after the River Severn overflowed.

Paul Gallone, station officer for Penarth Coastguard, said: “We were tasked to go and assist Chepstow Coastguard by the River Severn as a lot of roads had been cut off and flooded.

“People were getting sandbags in their houses next to the estuary.”

He added that they were involved in flood rescue and defence work.

On Friday night, as well as Saturday morning, they were in attendance at Penarth Esplanade to ensure that people watching the waves crashing over the esplanade stood well back to ensure their safety.

On Tuesday morning, January 7, Penarth Coastguard were tasked by Swansea Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at 7.16am to reports of a despondent male at St Mary’s Well Bay. A hasty search was conducted from Bay Caravan Park to Swanbridge, before they were relocated to Hayes Slip, Sully, after more information was received from South Wales Police. After arrival at Hayes Slip police reported the casualty had been found safe and well at home in St Athan and they returned to the station at 9am.

On Wednesday morning, January 8, Penarth Coastguard was also tasked to assist with the recovery of a person that had fallen into the River Ely by the Cardiff City Stadium. The man was recovered by the fire service’s rescue boat and brought to a waiting ambulance. Penarth’s RNLI inshore lifeboat (ILB) also attended the scene after they were called at 9am.