Lives put at risk by kitesurfer hoax radio call

Rescuers put their lives at risk yesterday after receiving a radio distress call apparently from a kitesurfer.

But the operation was called off more than an hour later when it became clear the only lives in danger were those of the rescuers.

Swansea Coastguard received a radio call from someone claiming to be a kitesurfer off Port Talbot at 14.50 on Wednesday.

Coastguard rescue teams, an RNLI lifeboat and an RAF helicopter were all deployed.

Swansea Coastguard watch manager Dai Jones said: “Hoax calls are intensely frustrating.”