Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Website

Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Station in 2006

Lifeboat Operations manager, Gareth Horner writes:

The volunteer crew members of Newquay RNLI have had another interesting year. Between 1st January and 30^th November 2006, preliminary figures show that the lifeboat crews at Newquay have responded to emergency calls no fewer that 72 times.

The first rescue of 2006 was just after dark on 29^th January when D-Class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson, plucked three teenagers from the rocks at South Fistral.  In February we were kept busy by a local catamaran sailor who we rescued twice on the same day following capsizes.  In between lifeboat launches, this gentleman was also rescued twice by a local fishing vessel.  Advice was freely offered to the owner on his return to harbour!

Also in February, Senior volunteer Helmsman, Kevin Gee, received a framed Chairman’s Letter of Thanks for rescuing a surfer off the Fly Cellars in appalling conditions the previous year in our D-Class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson.

A classic rescue was performed on 18^th March at Porth when a kayaker was in difficulty having been caught in a rip current and capsized, breaking his paddle.  Consequently, he was unable to right the craft and was hanging on to it in the very large surf.  His companion had paddled ashore to summon help. His cries were heard by a local man living nearby who donned his wet-suit, grabbed his own kayak and, without regard for his own safety, went to his aid.  He was able to get the casualty to the back of the surf-line but, in the process, capsized himself.  The lifeboat followed a big sea in toward the beach, turned and snatched them both to safety while heading back out through the surf.

Our main season began in May with the D-Class performing the medical evacuation of a coasteerer with suspected spinal injuries from Hedge Cove in the Gazzle.  This was to be the start of a busy summer with services to all manner of casualties.  There were other coasteering incidents and several fishing vessels were assisted as well as yachts and speedboats.  On one occasion the Atlantic75, Phyllis, went to the aid of a motor-cruiser which had lost power and, unable to anchor, was drifting towards rocks.  Too large for the Atlantic to tow all the way back to Newquay, the lifeboat kept the casualty  safely clear until the Padstow all-weather lifeboat arrived.  We also had our fair share of people cut off by the tide, tombstoners, swimmers, surfers and divers.

This year we rescued what we believe is the smallest sailing vessel we have ever come across.  The inflatable catamaran-hulled vessel, which was no more than five feet long, was being blown out to sea off Porthcothan Beach.  The owner, who had recently acquired it, was unable to turn around to head back to shore.

Another first for Newquay RNLI was the rescue of a swimmer from a basket.  The swimmer, who had been crossing the Gannel from Penpol to Trethellan, became tired and in order to take a rest climbed into the basket of the navigation marker on Trethellan bridge from whence he was extracted cold but otherwise unharmed.

Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Station was pleased to receive a visit from the Chairman of the RNLI, Admiral Sir Jock Slater, on 24^th May.  This was Sir Jock’s first visit to Newquay and he was very impressed by the standard to which the Station, lifeboats and equipment are maintained.

We held our Annual Lifeboat Day on Sunday 6^th August.  This was very well attended and supported, our many visitors being treated to displays from our two Newquay lifeboats, the new all-weather Tamar-class lifeboat from Padstow and a search and rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose. The crew also managed two real rescues amidst the fun.

During the summer, the quad bike used for launching and recovering the D-Class lifeboat was replaced by a mule.  Don’t complain to the RSPCA just yet, though.  This mule is a four-wheel drive vehicle which is better able to pull the lifeboat across the sand and has made the operation much safer.

Tragedy struck in October when our well-liked and respected Deputy Launching Authority, Lt.Cdr. Richard “Ollie” Edwards passed away suddenly at his home at the age of forty-nine.  Ollie was hugely popular with all at Newquay RNLI and his ready smile and humour will be sorely missed.

Our station web-site is at www.newquay-lifeboat.org.uk where our supporters can find details of the latest shouts, station history and also catch up with any news and learn a little more about us.

We are currently launching a Newquay Lifeboat Supporters Association.  Anyone who signs up will receive bi-annual reports from the station regarding news, events etc. Registration forms are available at our fundraising events or to download from the website

Throughout the year the fundraisers of Newquay R.N.L.I. are hard at work.  Among many highly successful events, Harvest Festivals were held at The Farmers Arms, St. Columb Minor and at Newquay Rowing Club.  These events are such a success because of the humbling generosity of the business community in Newquay and the overwhelming support of the general public.  We at Newquay R.N.L.I. are extremely grateful for your continued support.  Without you we not would not be able to provide a lifeboat service.

Next year is already looking exciting, we have recently received news that Newquay RNLI is to receive a new, state of the art, Atlantic 85 Class lifeboat in July 2007 and our annual lifeboat day is on Sunday 5^th August 2007

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the crew, the shore-helpers who work so hard behind the scenes, my fellow officers and the members of the Committee and Ladies’ Guild for their time and dedication throughout the year but not the least you the public, without whose support we would be unable to carry out our lifesaving work.  I am also extremely grateful for the ready co-operation of this newspaper in bringing our work to your attention.

Wishing you all a prosperous and happy New Year.