Newquay
Helmsman, Kevin Gee, has been presented with the RNLI Letter of Thanks after
saving the life of a surfer in difficulties off Towan Beach in April 2005
On the 18th April 2005, Falmouth Coastguard
requested the D class inshore lifeboat, The Valerie Wilson, to launch
following reports of two surfers in difficulty just north of the harbour. The
sea conditions were unfavourable with large breaking seas and force 7 northerly
winds.
The weather conditions had already prompted RNLI volunteer
crew members, Kevin Gee and Ian Jepson, to go down to the harbour to check on
their own boats. On looking over the harbour wall they saw 3 people in the
water, one swimming and two on boogie boards. The experienced volunteers
realised that the three were in danger from the large waves and tidal stream.
With the knowledge
that the coastguard had been informed,
Kevin and Ian ran to the boathouse to prepare to launch the lifeboat. Meanwhile
the casualties were being swept further out to sea.
The shore crew and
Deputy Launching Authority arrived and the D class
lifeboat was
launched just 2 minutes after the initial call to the coastguard. It was then
decided to wait for the arrival of the third volunteer crew member as the sea
conditions were so demanding.
As probationary crew member, Rob Green changed; Kevin and
Ian were able to observe the wave patterns
outside the harbour wall, which were breaking at 3m. They knew that being hit
by a wave could mean capsize.
Kevin used his considerable experience
and local knowledge to manoeuvre the boat out of the harbour but could not see
anyone in the water.
However, a crowd
had gathered on Fly Cellars,
just north of the harbour. They quickly realised
that they had sight of the casualty and the lifeboat did not.
They indicated to a point seaward.
About 150m from the harbour the casualty was spotted in the
water with his boogie board. He was helped aboard the lifeboat and the crew
discovered that his fellow casualties had made their way safely to shore.
The lifeboat turned towards shore and in true surfer’s
tradition rode a wave back to the harbour. The casualty was cold and shocked
but otherwise unharmed.
Tom Mansell, RNLI Deputy Divisional Inspector for the south,
says:
‘Kevin’s judgement, initiative and seamanship were supported by a first
class crew who coped extremely well in awful conditions. This just demonstrates
the dedication and standard achieved by the RNLI’s volunteer crews through their
comprehensive training both on station at Newquay and when they travel away for
specific courses provided by the RNLI.’
Lifeboat Crew: Kevin Gee - Helmsman, Ian Jepson - Crew, Rob
Green – Crew
