Rescuers are shocked to find plane crash survivors sitting on the aircraft... floating off the coast of Wales

Published: 00:23, 29 June 2026 | Updated: 00:25, 29 June 2026 Rescuers attending a plane that crash-landed into the sea off the coast of Wales were left shocked after finding survivors sitting on the wing of the aircraft. RNLI lifeboat crews and a HM Coastguard helicopter rushed to the scene on Friday evening following a Mayday call from a light aircraft carrying two people that had crashed approximately 10-miles north-west of Cemaes Head, near Cardigan. The aircraft had been travelling from Ireland to Aberporth, a village in Wales, where it was due to stop overnight to refuel before carrying on to Italy. However, after experiencing mechanical difficulties, the microlight plane - a lightweight, fixed-wing, or weight-shift aircraft - was forced to ditch into the sea at around 6.00pm. RNLI lifeboat crews from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard were paged only minutes later by Milford Haven Coastguard to attend the crash, where they responded alongside a Coastguard rescue helicopter. When they arrived, volunteers from the Coastguard found the two passengers sitting on the wing of the aircraft with no serious injuries and wearing life jackets. The two survivors were promptly taken to shore in a lifeboat and handed over to the Welsh Ambulance Service before being transported to hospital. Both were in shock following the incident, and spent one night in hospital before being discharged on Saturday. They have since returned to Ireland on a ferry from Fishguard in Pembrokeshire. Two survivors of a plane crash into the sea off the coast of Wales were found alive and sitting on the aircraft's wings RNLI lifeboat crews and a HM Coastguard helicopter rushed to the scene on Friday evening following a Mayday call from a light aircraft  The two survivors were promptly taken to shore in a lifeboat and handed over to the Welsh Ambulance Service before being transported to hospital New Quay RNLI Coxswain, Bernie Davies, said the aircraft's wreckage was 'quickly located' where both passengers were found floating in the water 'sitting on top, wearing lifejackets.' Ms Davies said: 'The Cardigan crew brought the lifeboat alongside and safely recovered both individuals on board. The casualties were found to be extremely cold but conscious and responsive. Crew provided immediate casualty care. 'When we arrived shortly afterwards, RNLI Cardigan transferred both casualties to our lifeboat, where they received further treatment, including hot drinks and ongoing casualty care. 'We then transported the casualties to New Quay harbour, where they were brought ashore at the main pier and handed into the care of the Welsh Ambulance Service before being transferred to hospital.' Rees-Tom Jones, New Quay RNLI's navigator added that the passengers were 'extremely grateful' for the help and support they were offered following the incident. Mr Jones said: 'The casualties were in shock and spent one night in hospital before being discharged yesterday (Saturday) and have since taken the ferry back to Ireland from Fishguard. 'What is remarkable is that one of the casualties is the next-door neighbour of one of the Irish rowers we rescued in Storm Arwen in November 2021. 'The casualties were extremely grateful for all the help and support they received from every agency involved. It's moments like this that really highlight the importance of the RNLI and the difference our volunteer crews can make.' Ed Hides, New Quay RNLI's Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'This was a coordinated multi-agency response that highlights the speed, professionalism and teamwork of RNLI volunteers and HM Coastguard in challenging circumstances. 'We'd like to thank the crews at Cardigan and Fishguard RNLI, along with the Coastguard helicopter, for their vital support. Working together, we were able to locate and rescue both casualties quickly and ensure they received the care they needed.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.