TWO Irish pilots who were forced to crash land at sea while flying to Wales have been reunited with their rescuers.
Mechanical difficulties saw pilots Jim O'Connor and JP Smith forced to ditch their light aircraft into the sea along the Welsh coast during a flight from Ireland to Aberporth on June 26.
Following their landing in Cardigan Bay, RNLI crews from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard joined the coastguard in a rescue operation which brought both men safely ashore.
This week the men returned to New Quay RNLI station to thank their rescuers.
They presented them with a commemorative clock and a €10k donation raised by the Irish aviation community to support the RNLI’s work.
Pilots Jim O'Connor and JP Smith returned to Wales to meet their rescuers (Pics: RNLI)“It's difficult to put into words how grateful we are to everyone who helped us that evening,” Mr O'Connor said.
“From the moment the rescue operation began we knew we were in the hands of highly skilled professionals,” he added.
“We want to thank the crews from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard RNLI, as well as HM Coastguard, for their incredible response and for bringing us safely home to our families.
“The support we received after the rescue was overwhelming and we wanted to give something back.
“The fundraising campaign has raised nearly €10,000 so far and we hope it helps support the lifesaving work carried out by RNLI volunteers every day.”
To mark their return, volunteers from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard RNLI stations came together for a celebratory barbecue at New Quay lifeboat station.
The pilots presented the RNLI with a commemorative clock and a cheque for £10k"Meeting the crews today has been very special,” Mr Smith said.
“These volunteers dropped everything to come to our aid, and we will never forget their kindness, professionalism and care.
“Ordinary people providing an extraordinary service. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”
He added “The RNLI is an great organisation and we are proud to be able to support it through this fundraising effort.”
The event was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, who thanked RNLI volunteers for their dedication and commitment to saving lives at sea.
Ed Hides, Lifeboat Operations Manager at New Quay RNLI, said it was “wonderful” to welcome the pilots and their families back to New Quay.
“To see them safe and well, just weeks after such a significant rescue operation, means a great deal to everyone involved,” he said.
"The presentation of the commemorative clock and this incredible €10k donation was completely unexpected and incredibly generous.
“We are hugely grateful to everyone who contributed, particularly the Irish aviation community, whose support will help our volunteer crews continue saving lives at sea."
Everything from irishpost.com and the print edition is available on the Irish Post App — plus more! Download it for Android or Apple IOS devices today.
See More: Ireland, Irish Pilots, Wales
