A major air and sea rescue operation was launched after a microlight aircraft was forced to ditch into the Irish Sea off the Welsh coast on Friday evening.

The aircraft, carrying two people, issued a Mayday call shortly before crashing into the water around 6pm, approximately 10 nautical miles north-west of Cardigan Island in Pembrokeshire.

RNLI lifeboat crews, a Coastguard rescue helicopter and ambulance personnel were dispatched to the scene after the emergency call was received.

Cardigan RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat was among the first rescue assets to arrive, joining the Coastguard helicopter in searching the area.

The helicopter soon located the microlight floating in the sea, with both occupants sitting on top of one of its wings, wearing lifejackets.

A crew member aboard the Atlantic 85 used rescue lines to bring each casualty safely onto the lifeboat. According to the RNLI, both people were suffering from the effects of the cold but were relieved to see rescuers arrive.

The pair were given balaclavas, foil blankets and an initial casualty assessment before being carefully transferred to RNLI New Quay’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat. There, they received hot drinks and further care while being brought ashore.

On land, they were handed into the care of the Welsh Ambulance Service. Coastguard officials have not confirmed whether either person sustained injuries, although it is understood they avoided serious harm.

Both Cardigan RNLI lifeboats returned to station later that evening and were ready for service again by 9pm.