A BUSY day was had by Penarth's RNLI crews as they were called out to a rescue during a training exercise.

They were called out on Sunday, May 15 by Milford Haven coastguard to reports of people cut off by the tide at Sully Island.

This occurred just as they were finishing off a training exercise with the coastguard rescue helicopter 187.

Crew members spoke to the five people who were keen to stay on the island until low tide that afternoon.

The helicopter they were training with is based at St Athan and RNLI volunteer crews were able to get 'hands-on' with it and understand the equipment it carries and its rescue capability.

Both Penarth's RNLI lifeboats were launched so that crews could practice working operationally with the helicopter crew, and a number of transits up and down the channel were undertaken so all RNLI helms could practice manoeuvres, including winching before the crew was called out for real.

A spokesman for Penarth RNLI said: "Special thanks for today must go to the crew of rescue 187 for affording us this excellent training opportunity which will ensure we can work seamlessly when required."

Jason Dunlop, lifeboat operations manager at Penarth RNLI said: "Exercises like today are vital for our training, and this was an excellent example of the RNLI working with our colleagues in the coastguard.

"We are all very grateful for the chance to train with the helicopter, and are thankful to the crew of rescue helicopter 187 for giving us such an opportunity."