Missing man sparks large scale search

10:33am Monday 29th September 2008

A missing walker sparked a large scale search by the emergency services yesterday (Sunday) afternoon.

St Davids RNLI all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain David John, and St Davids inshore lifeboat under the command of helmsman Robin Copely were launched on service at 3pm to assist police searching for a 50 year-old holiday maker reported missing in the Whitesands Bay area.

The man had become separated from his family as they walked the coastal path.

St Davids and Fishguard coastguard teams were also dispatched to carry out a cliff path search.

The lifeboats were both on scene within five minutes and carried out a shoreline search from Whitesands Beach to a position north of St Davids Head.

After searching for 30 minutes they heard that the possible casualty had been found safe and well in a Whitesands shop, unaware of the concern for his safety.

After being reunited with his relieved father both lifeboats returned to station rehousing at 3.50pm.

The incident was treated as a false alarm with good intent.