Prince William helps save teenager

Published on 18/08/2012 02:17

The Duke of Cambridge has helped save the life of a teenage girl who was swept away by a rip current while swimming in the sea.

Flight Lieutenant Wales – as he is known in the RAF – captained a search and rescue helicopter which plucked the 16-year-old to safety in Silver Bay, on Anglesey, North Wales, on Thursday.

The five-strong crew had just returned to their base at RAF Valley when they were called to attend two girls in distress. Holidaymakers watched helplessly as the girls battled against the strong tide. The younger of the two was rescued by a surfer.

The rescue is said to be one of the quickest carried out, with the helicopter taking 38 seconds from take-off until it arrived at the scene.