A Llangollen couple have told of their role in the dramatic rescue of a heart transplant patient who fell into the sea off the North Wales coast.
Stuart and Laura Davies, from Llangollen, were carrying out maintenance work to their boat which is based in Pwllheli when Laura spotted a commotion in the water.
“A man had fallen into the sea and was crying out for help.
“The conditions were very cold with strong winds.
“The man’s boat was drifting and he was hanging on to the back,” said Stuart.
He and Laura saw a fellow rescuer, Andy Musgrave, who was closest to the scene, dive in to the water to help the man.
Immediately Stuart and Laura got into their dinghy and were quickly making their way over to give their assistance.
Andy had managed to reach the man and was keeping him afloat. Stuart and Laura arrived and helped ensure the two got out of the water and reached safety.
“The man looked absolutely grey and said that he had undergone a heart transplant. I think that was some time ago,” said Stuart.
“There had hardly been anyone about at the time. I think that Andy should receive a bravery award for what he did.
“Without his actions the man could have died.”
It transpired that the propeller of the boat the two had been hanging on to was still turning during the rescue and could easily have caused a tragedy if it had connected with their feet and legs.
The rescued man was not wearing a lifejacket.
“We were certainly not expecting anything like this to happen.
“The man was in shock because of everything which had taken place.
“He was lucky that Andy had seen him and been so courageous in diving in,” added Stuart.