A search has resumed on Thursday following reports of a woman in the water at Porthcawl. Emergency services had been at the scene since just before 6pm on Tuesday when the alarm was raised.
Coastguard rescue teams from Porthcawl, Port Talbot, and Llantwit Major are involved in the search along with the police helicopter and coastguard helicopter. A lifeboat from Mumbles also supported the search on Wednesday.
The search entered its third day on Thursday after disruptive weather caused by Strom Jocelyn forced rescuers to stop overnight. On Wednesday morning a spokesman for HM Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard has resumed a shoreline search this morning in Porthcawl, at the request of South Wales Police, with coastguard rescue teams sent from Porthcawl, Port Talbot, Oxwich, and Barry Island. For further details please contact the police."
South Wales Police confirmed that the search had resumed on Thursday (January 25).
Mumbles Lifeboat RNLI described on their social media the conditions on Tuesday night as they joined the search. In a video on their Facebook page they said that at 6.40pm they joined teams from Port Talbot, Llantwit Major, and the Coastguard helicopter to help the search. The team searched for more than five hours before the search was halted due to deteriorating conditions.
Lifeboat coxswain Josh Stewart said on Wednesday: "I'm immensely proud of our crews enthusiasm and professionalism last night. The conditions were some of the worst they'll ever have to launch into. The swell was well over 5m high and beam on which made visual search pretty tricky but it's what we train for and while we didn't get the result we wanted I'm still proud of our crew who made every effort to find the casualty. Our thoughts are with the casualty's family and friends at this time"
Everything we know so far:
Key Events
Coastguard no longer involved in search
The HM Coastguard has confirmed its role in the search has ended.
Search resumes on Thursday
A spokesman for South Wales Police has confirmed that the search had resumed on Thursday.
They said that "no further" updates had been received yet.
Coastguard search concludes
The coastguard search and rescue operation has now concluded due to the length of time, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed. Officers from South Wales Police will continue its investigation into the incident.
Woman was seen at waters edge
Police have confirmed that they were called after reports of a woman at the water's edge.
A spokesperson for the force said: "South Wales Police was called just before 6.05pm last night, Wednesday 23rd January, with a report of a woman having been seen by the water’s edge just off the Esplanade in Porthcawl.
"Emergency services responded including HM Coastguard, the RNLI, and the National Police Air Service (NPAS). HM Coastguard is continuing the maritime search effort with assistance from our specialist search team and other agencies."
Photos of the search underway today
The search is ongoing today, Wednesday, January 24, after a woman was reported to have entered the water at Porthcawl.
Coastguard issues update on search
The Coastguard has issued an update stating that they have resumed the search.
A spokesperson said: "HM Coastguard has resumed a shoreline search this morning in Porthcawl, at the request of South Wales Police, with coastguard rescue teams sent from Porthcawl, Port Talbot, Oxwich and Barry Island. For further details, please contact the police."
Search continuing today
An eyewitness says that there is still a large presence of search vehicles in the area.
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Mumbles Lifeboat RNLI describe 'some of the worst conditions'
Mumbles Lifeboat RNLI described on their social media the conditions on Tuesday night as they joined the search. In a video on their Facebook page, the force said that at 18:40 the team joined teams from Port Talbot, Llantwit Major and the Coastguard Helicopter to help the search.
The team searched for over five hours before the search was halted due to deteriorating conditions.
Lifeboat coxswain Josh Stewart said: I'm immensely proud of our crews enthusiasm and professionalism last night. The conditions were some of the worst they'll ever have to launch into. The swell was well over 5m high and beam on which made visual search pretty tricky but it's what we train for and while we didn't get the result we wanted I'm still proud of our crew who made every effort to find the casualty. Our thoughts are with the casualties family and friends at this time"
Coastguard leading the search
South Wales Police have provided us with a statement saying that the coastguard will be leading the search.
"Shortly after 6pm yesterday evening South Wales Police responded to reports of a woman in the water at Porthcawl beach. The coastguard are leading the ongoing search effort."
More pictures from last night
We've been sent more pictures from the emergency services response in Porthcawl last night:
Police update expected shortly
We have contacted South Wales Police this morning for an update on this incident and we were told the force has not released any further information as of yet, but an update is expected "shortly".
RNLI warning ahead of Storm Jocelyn
This week the RNLI warmed the public about coastal areas during Storm Jocelyn. It followed amber and yellow weather warnings for wind covering much of the UK together with yellow warnings for rain.
The lifesaving charity urged those planning to visit the coast this weekto exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers. It warned that strong gusts of wind pose a significant risk to safety.
RNLI National Water Safety Partner, Tim Doran said: ‘This week’s predicted weather could lead to dangerous and uncertain conditions as strong winds and heavy rain hit the UK and Ireland.
‘If you plan on visiting the coast, the RNLI advise the public to stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.
'Cold water shock is a very real danger for anyone entering water that is 15°C or below and at this time of year, we can expect temperatures of 6 to 10°C. If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to Float to Live; lie back in the water, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing.
‘Remember, if you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if by the coast. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you may end up in difficulty too.’
The RNLI's safety advice is:
Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges
Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
Take a phone with you
Footage shows extensive search
Footage posted on social media shows a high emergency service presence at the seafront. A helicopter can be seen overhead shining a spotlight towards the sea. Police and lifeboat crew can be seen standing near the shore. A number of police vehicles are also at the scene, with blue lights flashing.
Statement from HM Coastguard
A spokesman for HM Coastguard told WalesOnline: "HM Coastguard is coordinating the response to a report of a person in the water at Porthcawl. The alarm was raised at around 5.55pm on January 23. Coastguard rescue teams have been sent from Porthcawl, Port Talbot, and Llantwit Major."
