Cardiff river rescue mission launched after man was seen ‘shouting and screaming for help’ in ‘fast-flowing’ River Taff

• Emergency crews were scrambled just before 8am to Cardiff’s city centre today 

A major rescue operation was launched today after a terrified man was seen ‘shouting and screaming for help’ in a city centre river.

Emergency services poured into Cardiff city centre this morning amid reports the male had been swept into the ‘fast-flowing’ River Taff.

Police, fire and ambulance services gathered need the Wood Street Bridge, with RNLI specialists using boats to check the water by Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. 

The rescue operation was launched shortly after 7.40am after the male was seen in the water near Castle Street. 

College student Kaiden Campisi, who saw the man and dialled 999, told the BBC: ‘He was shouting and screaming for help. I chased him to try and keep up with him

Emergency services poured into Cardiff city centre this morning amid reports a man had been swept into the ‘fast-flowing’ River Taff

The rescue operation was launched shortly after 7.40am following reports of a man spotted in the water near Castle Street. It involved rescue teams from the RNLI 

Police, fire and ambulance services gathered need the Wood Street Bridge, with river rescue specialists used boats to check water by Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

‘I lost sight of him in the river,’ he added. ‘The water was fast-flowing.’

Police closed nearby Wood Street in both directions, while diversions were put in place, as they dealt with the emergency. 

The Coastguard was also involved in the operation.

A statement from South Wales Fire and Rescue said they were called just before 8am to reports of a ‘water rescue’ near the bridge.

A spokeswoman said: ‘Multiple crews are in attendance, alongside other emergency services colleagues.’

In a statement, South Wales Police said: ‘At 7.53am today police were called to a report of a person seen swimming in the River Taff near Wood Street bridge.

‘Road closures were in place while emergency services responded to the incident.

‘The road reopened at around 10am however searches and other enquiries are on-going.’

Police closed nearby Wood Street in both directions, while diversions were put in place, as they dealt with the emergency

A large number of ambulance and other emergency services were scrambled to the scene 

Ambulances, police and fire engines were pictured near the Wood Street Bridge, Cardiff

The bridge re-opened shortly after 10am. 

A fire service spokeswoman added four crews scrambled to the incident were stood down at 10.22am.  

South Wales Police urged those with information about the incident to contact them by phone, email or on its website quoting incident ‘199’.

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