Conditions at the limit of D class capabilities Matthew Rossi of Port Talbot lifeboat has received a framed letter of thanks from RNLI Chairman David Acland for his seamanship and leadership skills following the rescue of a man from the sea near the Cabenda Buoy on 5 November 1999.Around 2045 Port Talbot lifeboat station received a request to launch following a Mayday call from the ore carrier, Mineral Century reporting a man overboard. Although night visibility was good, the wind was blowing WNW Force 6 and there was 5-6ft of breaking surf on the beach.

The station's inshore lifeboat Gwenllian, The Rotary Club of Port Talbot, launched five minutes later with Matthew Rossi at the helm, together with Crew Members Leon Murphy and David Jones. Although the lifeboat was operating at the very limit of its capabilities, speed was of the essence and both a helicopter and the Mumbles allweather lifeboat were on their way.

The D class reached Cabenda Buoy some 15 minutes later and began a search using torches, flares and night vision kit. The ore carrier could not take further part in the search because of her draught but local pilot vessel, Seamark, was on scene assisting in the search.

By this time the wind was blowing Force 7 and the seas were very rough, with a 9-15ft swell. Ten minutes into the search Seamark reported she had found the man but could not haul him aboard. She was instructed to move away while the lifeboat recovered him. Leon entered the water with a quoit and line and pulled the man to the lifeboat, where he was quickly recovered. The man was breathing but was vomiting and unconscious with a faint pulse and dilated pupils. The casualty needed to get to hospital as quickly as possible, so it was decided to transfer him to the rescue helicopter, which arrived soon after. During the transfer the lifeboat's engine stalled several times which added to difficulties.

Once the man was safely aboard the helicopter, Helmsman Rossi decided it was too dangerous to return down sea to Port Talbot. Escorted by Mumbles all-weather boat, Port Talbot lifeboat was taken across Swansea Bay to Mumbles, where she was safely recovered and returned to station by road..