Saturday 14th June 2008
Tragic tumble.
Newquay RNLI lifeboat launched to
investigate the sighting of a body off Porth Island on Saturday 14th June at
14:40 hrs
Cornwall
Air Ambulance had reported to Falmouth Coastguards that there was possibly
body off Porth Island. Newquay RNLI lifeboats were swiftly tasked and RNAS
Rescue 193 also responded.
Newquay’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Gladys Mildred
launched with Simon Bennetts at the helm. The lifeboat and R193 arrived on
scene at the same time to discover a casualty on the rocks above the water
line. A paramedic was already at the scene with the casualty.
R193 was then tasked to recover the body from
the rocks whilst Newquay’s lifeboat kept a safe area clear. R193 had
recovered the body and transferred them to the Royal Cornwall Hospital.
Following a request from the Police,
volunteer crew member, Kevin Walsh entered the water and swam ashore to
search the coastline for personal possessions of the deceased. Nothing was
found.
Newquay’s volunteer crew returned to station.
Atlantic Crew :Simon Bennetts (helm), Andrew
Trebilcock, Matt Robins, Kevin Walsh
Picture:
Terry Barnecutt
Friday, 06 June 2008
Found - safe and sound.
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launched to
search for a missing elderly gentleman at 21:10 hrs on Friday 6th June 2008.
An eighty four year old gentleman had been
missing for 24 hours. Following a suspicion that the local elderly gentleman
could be on coast line, Falmouth coastguards tasked Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats
to search the sea and shore line between Towan Head and Poly Joke.
Both lifeboats launched. Ross King helmed the
Atlantic 85, Gladys Mildred and commenced searching the coastline. Ian
Jepson took the helm of the D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson and searched
the Gannel estuary.
At 21:44 hrs both lifeboats were stood down.
The gentleman had been found safe on Pentire headland.
Atlantic Crew: Ross King (helm), Mark Morris,
Brian Adamson
D Class Crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Michael Martin , Kevin Walsh.
Thursday 22nd May 2008
Newquay RNLI lifeboat launch to
unconscious diver
Newquay RNLI Atlantic lifeboat was called
to an unconscious diver five miles north west of Newquay Harbour at around
3pm on Thursday 22nd May.
A party of four had chartered the dive-vessel
for the day and the casualty had gone along in addition, to make up
numbers. Shortly after entering the water the other discovered the casualty
lying unconcious with his regulator out of his mouth. They took him to the
surface and helped the skipper to recover him onto the dive-boat and radioed
the coastguard for assistance.
Newquay’s RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat and RNAS
Culdrose were called to the scene. RNAS Culdrose winched their own diver
aboard the dive vessel, and the RNLI lifeboat went alongside and put
volunteer crew-member Christian Brown, who is a paramedic aboard to assist.
They worked together to administer CPR until the casualty was airlifted by
helicopter to Treliske Hospital, Truro.
D Class Crew: Christian Brown (Helm), Tim
Stokes, Ross King
Monday 19th May 2008
Newquay RNLI lifeboat launch to
Whipsiderry beach
Newquay RNLI lifeboat was called to
evacuate a woman and her dog from Whipsiderry beach in Newquay.
The
woman was walking her elderly St Bernard cross Mastiff along the top of the
cliff at Whipsiderry around 8.30pm, when it wandered down the long and steep
steps to the beach to follow another dog. However, due its age and
infirmity, it was unable to climb back up the steps, and the woman was
forced to call the coastguard for assistance.
Once on the scene, the coastguard decided the
dog would not make it up the cliff and they requested Newquay lifeboat to
assist in evacuating the dog and its owner by sea.
Newquay’s D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson
launched at 9pm, and with the assistance of the Newquay coastguard team,
both owner and dog were put aboard the lifeboat and taken around to Porth
beach where they were landed safe and well.
D Class Crew: Ian Jepson (Helm), Tim Stokes,
Andrew Trebilcock
Picture:
Terry Barnecutt
Sunday 11th May 2008
Sleepless night for Newquay RNLI
volunteers
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats received a
request to launch at 00:47 hrs on Sunday 11th May 2008 following reports of
a missing female.
Falmouth coastguards had received a 999 call
from a member of the public reporting a woman missing, possibly between
Beacon Cove and Bedruthan Steps. Concerned for the safety of the vulnerable
woman the emergency services were tasked.
Newquay’s lifeboats launched within 10
minutes of the pagers sounding. Ross King took the helm of the Atlantic 85
lifeboat, Gladys Mildred, and Ian Pengelly helmed the D class lifeboat,
Valerie Wilson.
Both lifeboats arrived on scene just before
01:10 hrs and commenced searching the area.
At 01:15 hrs the volunteer crew were stood
down, the female had been found safe and well at her home.
Arriving back at the station at 01:35 hrs,
the lifeboat crew and shore crew washed down the lifeboats and refuelled
them ready for the next shout.
The ten volunteers finally returned to their
sleeping families just after 2 am.
Newquay RNLI welcomes Jonathan Sharp. He is
currently living in the Newquay area whilst studying in Cornwall and an RNLI
volunteer crew member with the Lytham St Anne’s lifeboat. He is using this
as an opportunity to gain experience of a different station, boats and
coastal conditions.
Atlantic Crew: Ross King (helm), Michael
Martin, Christian Brown.
D Class Crew: Ian Pengelly (helm), Jonathan Sharp, Tim Stokes
Shore crew: Wayne Martin, Graham Mountford, Stuart Wray
Tuesday 6th May 2008
Sun, sea, sand and…an off shore wind.
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboat launched at 15:25
hrs on Tuesday 6th May 2008 following reports of a kayaker in difficulties
off Porth Island
Newquay‘s D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson,
launched following sightings of an inflatable kayak adrift and its occupant
in difficulties.
Arriving on scene volunteer helmsman Joe
Emmett and his crew spotted 3 people on rocks on Porth Island. The party had
been out for a paddle on a rigid kayak, an inflatable kayak and a boogie
board. They had managed to drag their rigid kayak and boogie board with
them. The lifeboat transferred the two males and one female back to the
safety of Porth beach.
Meanwhile, the escaped inflatable kayak aided
by the offshore wind was rapidly making its escape across the bay. Concerned
that someone may see the kayak and think it had an occupant in difficulties,
Joe & his crew gave chase. The kayak was recovered approximately ½ mile off
shore and had developed a puncture.
With all casualties safely ashore and no
escaped boats the lifeboat returned to station.
Crew: Joe Emmett (helm), Mark Morris, Brian
Adamson
Sunday 4th May 2008
Father and son get into trouble.
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launched at 10:30
hrs on Sunday 4th May 2008 following reports of two people missing on
Pentire Headland.
Falmouth coastguards had received a 999 call
from a member of the public. She had heard her son calling but was unable to
find him or her husband. They were missing on the Crantock side of Pentire
headland.
Newquay’s D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson,
was already afloat on exercise. With Mark Morris at the helm the lifeboat
swiftly diverted to Crantock. The Atlantic lifeboat, Gladys Mildred,
launched with Christian Brown at the helm. The two lifeboats searched from
the sea whilst the coastguard cliff rescue team searched from land.
At approximately 10:45 hrs, father and son
were found safe and well in the car park. Both lifeboats returned to
station.
This was newly qualified helmsman Christian
Brown’s first shout at the helm of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat.
D Class Crew: Mark Morris, Michael Martin,
Kevin Walsh.
Atlantic Crew : Christian Brown (helm), Sean Taylor, Brian Adamson
Thursday 3rd April 2008
Not the foggiest
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launched at 13:35
hrs on Thursday 3rd April 2008 following reports of two missing surfers.
Falmouth coastguards had received a 999 call
from a member of the public reporting two surfers missing in the fog
somewhere between Watergate beach and Porth beach.
The pair had been seen surfing in the area
but then were lost in the fog. Concerned that the pair were still In the
water, the member of the public raised the alarm.
Newquay’s lifeboats launched immediately.
Mark Morris took the helm of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys Mildred, and
Ross King helmed the D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson.
Searching between Watergate and Porth proved
a challenging task; fog limited visibility to less than 300m.
The two male teenagers were eventually found
by the coastguards, safe and well, ashore at the north end of Watergate bay.
Atlantic Crew: Mark Morris (helm), Rob Green,
Michael Martin, Sean Taylor
D Class Crew: Ross King (helm), Ashley Mann, Tim Stokes,
Monday, 31 March 2008
Ripping Surf
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launched at 13:30
hrs on Monday 31st March 2008 to assist a body boarder in difficulties off
North end of Mawgan Porth beach.
Falmouth coastguards had received a 999 call
form a member of the public indicating that there was a body boarder caught
in a rip at the north end of Mawgan Porth.
Newquay’s relief Atlantic 85 lifeboat,
Drayton Manor, launched with Kevin Gee at the helm, accompanied by Mark
Morris at the helm of the D class lifeboat Valerie Wilson. Newquay
Coastguard cliff rescue team were also tasked and a RAF helicopter responded
as they were in the area on a training exercise.
As the lifeboats arrived on scene there were
15ft waves breaking against the rocks at the base of the cliff. The casualty
managed get out of the rip and had made his way back to shore where Newquay
coastguards were on hand to help him out of the sea onto the rocks. He had
suffered cuts and bruises.
The Newquay RNLI lifeboats stood by until the
casualty and coastguards were confirmed to be in a safe location and then
returned to station.
Mawgan Porth is one of the Newquay beaches
patrolled by RNLI lifeguards through the summer. The RNLI lifeguard service
commences on 1st May on North Fistral and Towan. Crantock, South Fistral,
Tolcarne, Great Western, Porth, Watergate and Mawgan Porth commence on 17th
May. These beaches will be patrolled until 30th September 2008.
D Class Crew: Kevin Gee (helm), Joe Emmett,
Rob Green
Atlantic Crew : Mark Morris (helm), Mike Martin, Ross King
Sea Conditions: Part cloudy, Visibility:
good, Wind: NW5, Sea state: moderate, 2m swell
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Catamaran capsize.
Newquay’s
RNLI D Class lifeboat launched at 12:50 hrs on Sunday 30th March 2008
following reports of a catamaran in difficulties in Newquay Bay
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Falmouth coastguards had received two 999
calls from members of the public reporting that a catamaran had capsized and
appeared unable to right itself.
Volunteer crew at Newquay RNLI lifeboat
station had already spotted the catamaran, Mischief, in difficulties and had
been observing its progress for several minutes in the hopes that the single
handed sailor would be able to right the vessel on his own.
Once it became apparent that the sailor was
unlikely to be able to right the catamaran single handed, the D class
lifeboat, Valerie Wilson, launched with volunteer crew member Mark Morris at
the helm.
Arriving
on scene, Kevin Walsh took the helm of the D class whilst Mark Morris
entered the water and assisted the sailor to right the catamaran. When Mark
enquired what the problem was; the sailor said he had insufficient body
weight to right the catamaran.
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Concerned about the sailor’s ability to right
the catamaran should he capsize again, the lifeboat crew offered to escort
Mischief back to the harbour, the sailor declined stating he intended
continue with his Sunday sail. When asked Mark asked what he proposed to do
if he capsized again the casualty did not answer.
The lifeboat crew decided it would be prudent
to remain on scene for a while in case the casualty capsized again. After 20
minutes the lifeboat and her volunteer lifeboat crew returned to station.
Newquay’s RNLI volunteer crew would like to
reassure the public that if they are concerned that someone may be in
difficulties they should always call the coastguards.
Newquay RNLI has launched to assist Mischief
on numerous occasions over the last few years.
Crew: Mark Morris (helm), Kevin Walsh (helm),
Mike Martin.
Sea Conditions: Visibility: good, Wind:
Southerly 2, Sea state: calm, 1 m swell
Wednesday 26th March 2008
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launch to couple cut
off by tide
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats were requested to
launch this afternoon (26 March) to a lady and gentleman in their 20’s who
had been off by the tide at Bedruthan Steps.
Newquay’s relief Atlantic 85 lifeboat,
Drayton Manor, launched at 16:19 hrs with volunteer crewman Kevin Gee at
the helm, swiftly followed by the D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson,
helmed by Mark Morris.
The D class inshore lifeboat was first on the
scene and visually located the casualty. With a three-foot swell and an
unpleasant force four northwesterly wind, the volunteer crew decided the
preferred option would be to evacuate the casualties by land.
While the crew on the D class lifeboat went
in close to the shore to make contact and reassure the couple, St Merryn and
Newquay Coastguards worked together to winch a man down the cliff. However,
on reaching the bottom, he was unhappy that the casualties would have to be
winched across an overhang and requested they be evacuated by sea.
The crew of the D class lifeboat negotiated
the strong swell to get in close enough to pick up the casualties. They were
then transferred onto the waiting Atlantic 85 lifeboat and bought safety to
the boathouse at 17.40 where although wet, they were given a cup of hot tea
and were none the worse for their experience.
Gareth Horner, Newquay’s RNLI Lifeboat
Operations Manager said:
‘On realising they were in danger the lady
and gentleman did exactly as they should, by calling 999 and asking for the
coastguard. We were then able to get to them as quickly as possible.
The RNLI would advise anyone planning to take
a walk along the coast to note the time of high tide and the weather
forecast, both of which are available at the local harbour office or
lifeboat station. Walkers should also be aware of their changing
surroundings at all times.’
Atlantic 85 crew: Kevin Gee (helm), Matt
Robins, Simon Bennett and, Andrew Trebilcock
D Class crew: Mark Morris (helm), Ross King and Tim Stokes
Friday, 21 March 2008
Overland Launch.
Can we do it? Yes we can!
People could be mistaken for thinking that
Newquay RNLI’s GPS had malfunctioned on Friday 21st March 2008. Rest assured
that was not the case.
At 16:45 hrs on Good Friday, Newquay’s
Operations Manager, Gareth Horner, was contacted by Falmouth coastguard. A
person and their dog was cut off by the tide in the river Gannel.
The sea was running a NW 8 with heavy seas
off the harbour; conditions beyond the safe limits of both of Newquay RNLI’s
lifeboats. Gareth immediately suggested the D class lifeboat, Valerie
Wilson, launched over land. There were two possible launching points on the
Gannel accessible by road.
The crew were paged to launch, Ben Eglington,
Ross King and Andrew Trebilcock were the first to muster, unaware of the
unusual launch that faced them.
Launcher Stuart Wray took the driving seat of
the mule accompanied by head launcher Graham Mountford. Blue lights flashing
Stuart towed the lifeboat through Newquay’s streets to the launching site
off the slip way at Trethellan hill. Unlike the historic overland launch of
the Lynmouth lifeboat in 1899, Newquay’s mule had four wheels and an engine!
The female casualty and her dog were caught
unawares on the Crantock side of the Gannel, opposite the Saltings. Ben and
his crew swiftly rescued the casualty and brought her back safely to shore.
She was passed into the care of Newquay’s coastguard cliff rescue team at
the Saltings car park.
In a fashion usually reserved for carnivals,
the Valerie Wilson and her volunteer crew returned to station at a more
leisurely pace with volunteer shore crew member Laurence Pascoe following
behind in his van with the remaining shore crew.
Our RNLI lifeboats cannot launch with out
volunteer shore crew. They are the people behind the scenes. They are
important. They help save lives.
This was Ben Eglington’s first time at the
helm on a shout – well done Ben but you need to run faster, Ross keeps
beating you! Both Ben & Ross recently qualified as Atlantic & D class
lifeboat helmsmen.
Crew: Ben Eglington (helm), Ross King and
Andrew Trebilcock
Monday 18th February 2008
Doggy paddler rescued.
Newquay RNLI’s lifeboats were requested to
launch at 12:42 hrs on Monday 18th February 2008 following reports of three
people and a dog in difficulties in the water off Whipsiderry beach.
Falmouth Coastguards had received a 999 call
for a member of the public. Three people were in the water off Whipsiderry
beach. Their Jack Russell terrier had got into difficulties and they had
followed the dog in to the water in an attempt to rescue it.
Newquay’s D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson,
launched first with volunteer crewman Mark Morris at the helm. This was
swiftly followed but the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys Mildred, helmed by
newly qualified volunteer helmsman Ross King.
When the boats arrived on scene the three
people had managed to make their way back to shore and up the cliff to
waiting paramedics. The dog was still in the water swimming frantically in
circles. As the D class lifeboat rounded the corner, the dog spotted the
lifeboat and started to swim towards it. The lifeboat came as close to the
dog as was safe but was still a few metres away. Seeing that the dog was
barely able to keep above the water, volunteer crew member Christian Brown
entered the water and swam to the dog. He then swam back to the lifeboat
with the dog. he dog, Judy, was taken ashore where the
coastguards rushed it to a local vet for treatment. Judy was treated an
discharged later in the day.
This was Ross’ first shout as at the helm.
Congratulations to Ross King and Ben Eglington recently completed their
training to become helmsmen on both the Atlantic 85 and the D class
lifeboats.
Atlantic 85 crew: Ross King (helm), Nick
Marr, Brian Adamson
D
Class crew: Mark Morris (helm), Chris Brown, Tim Stokes
Saturday 19th January 2008
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Surfer sparks 999 call.
Newquay RNLI’s lifeboats were diverted to
Great Western beach at 10:56 hrs on Sunday 16th December following a report
of a surfer in difficulties off Great Western Beach.
Newquay’s lifeboats were exercising in
Newquay Bay when Falmouth Coastguard requested that they divert to Great
Western Beach to investigate reports of a surfer in difficulties. A member
of the public had seen a surfer in difficulties and dialled 999.
With Kevin Gee at the helm of the Atlantic
85, Gladys Mildred and Garry Griffiths at the helm of the D class lifeboat,
Valerie Wilson, the lifeboats were on scene within 2 minutes. The Gladys
Mildred stood by at the back of the surf whilst the Valerie Wilson went
closer to shore to investigate.
The volunteer crew discovered two surfers
ashore, both safe and well. One of the surfers had managed to get to shore
with his surf board following behind, it is thought that he had possibly
become separated from his surf board giving the members of the public cause
for concern.
A false alarm with good intent.
Gareth Horner, Newquay RNLI lifeboat
operations manager says:
“Anyone who believes they have seen someone
in difficulties should never hesitate to dial 999 and inform the coastguard.
Better a false alarm than a tragedy”
This was the first shout for new volunteer
crew member Brian Adamson.
Sunday, 04 November 2007
Gladys Mildred to the rescue.
Newquay’s new state of the art Atlantic 85
lifeboat received her first and second calls for help on Sunday 4th
November. Newquay RNLI’s lifeboats were requested to launch at 18:00 hrs
following reports of two distress flares in Newquay Bay and then diverted to
a broken down fishing vessel.
Falmouth coastguards had received numerous
calls from members of the public on shore and from vessels at sea reporting
the sighting of two distress flares close to shore in Newquay bay. The
coastguards had already received reports of red flares being set off in two
other locations along the coast between Newquay and St Agnes.
Despite a plentiful display of fireworks
being released in the Newquay area there was no doubt that the sightings
were actually red distress flares.
Newquay’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, The Gladys
Mildred, helmed by Ian Jepson took to the water for her first shout.
Accompanied by the D Class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson, helmed by Joe Emmett
the lifeboats were tasked to search the area around Porth Island.
At approximately 18:40 hrs whilst searching
the area the Atlantic 85 lifeboat was requested to divert to another
emergency. During the search the crew aboard the D Class lifeboat had
spotted red flares being released from Watergate bay beach. Suspecting this
was the probable source of the 999 calls the D class stood by and the
Atlantic 85 lifeboat diverted to Penhale. The Police and Coastguards were
tasked to investigate the incident on Watergate bay beach.
The second shout for Gladys Mildred came
following a distress call by an 8m fishing vessel, Patrice, broken down off
Penhale point. The fishing boat had suffered engine failure and was also
experiencing difficulties with their radio. She had managed to drop her
anchor and was holding her position off the Madripps.
Ian and his crew towed the Patrice back to
Newquay where she was moored up outside the harbour. Her two occupants were
then transferred back to shore in the lifeboat.
The D Class lifeboat was back on station at
19:02 hrs and the Atlantic 85 lifeboat at 19:55 hrs.
Gareth Horner, Newquay RNLI lifeboat
operations manager says:
“It is against the law to set off red flares
if you are not in danger. People risk a hefty fine if caught doing so.
“Had the fishing vessel needed to release red
flares to summon assistance they may not have received the rapid response of
the emergency services. Under different circumstances this could have
resulted in a very different outcome.
“Anyone who believes they have seen a
distress flare or someone in difficulties should never hesitate to dial 999
and inform the coastguard. Better a false alarm than a tragedy”
Gareth also praised the new Atlantic 85
lifeboat, the Gladys Mildred:
“She has lived up to our expectations and the
crew were delighted with the way she performed”
Atlantic 85 Crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Mark
Morris, Sean Taylor, Christian Brown.
D Class Crew: Joe Emmett (helm), Kevin Walsh, Michael Martin.
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Dark nights, rescue knights.
Newquay RNLI volunteer crew launched to
search for a possible missing body boarder missing shortly after night fall.
A member of the public called Falmouth
coastguards, reporting he had lost sight of his body boarding mate off the
north end of Crantock beach. With dark falling so swiftly he was unsure of
his friend’s whereabouts; concerned for his safety he had called for
assistance.
Newquay’s volunteer crew were mustered. The
relief Atlantic 75 lifeboat, Daisy Aitken, helmed by Ian Jepson accompanied
by the D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson, with Joe Emmett at the helm were
swiftly launched. They were tasked to search North Crantock and into the
Gannel estuary.
Shortly after the lifeboats arrived on scene
they were stood down by Falmouth coastguards. The suspected casualty had
made his way to shore safe and well.
Atlantic Crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Ben
Eglington, Michael Martin.
D Class crew: Joe Emmett (helm), Sean Taylor, Ross King, Nick Marr.
Monday, 24 September 2007
Newquay RNLI ready for any call for
help.
Newquay’s volunteer RNLI crew leapt into
action at 19:40 hrs on Monday 24th September 2007 to assist in a search for
the occupants of a tent – not the usual call for the RNLI. This added to
Newquay’s diverse collection of rescue requests.
A tent pitched on Towan headland had been
seen hanging over the cliffs, there were belongings scattered at the bottom.
The alarm was raised by people concerned that the occupants may have gone
over the cliffs too.
Newquay’s RNLI volunteer crew launched with
Ashley Mann at the helm of the D Class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson and Ian
Jepson helming the relief Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Daisy Aitken. The coastguard
cliff rescue team, police and a land ambulance were on scene. R193 from
Culdrose had also been tasked.
The lifeboats were tasked to search the
Gazzle, between old Lifeboat slip and Towan head.
Despite extensive searching by all the
emergency services involved, no one was found. At 20:15 hrs all were stood
down.
The year started with a bizarre collection of
shouts, all hinging around the letter ‘C’, cows, Christmas trees, catamarans
and cars, following through later on with crabbers, coats (yes, a anorak)
Have we now moved on to the end of the alphabet for the end of the year?
Here’s hoping we only have U, V, W, X, Y & Z to go!
Atlantic Crew: Ashley Mann (helm), Joe
Emmett, Chris Brown
D Class Crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Michael Martin, Tim Stokes.
Friday 14th September
Anorak goes shark spotting?
Newquay’s volunteer RNLI crew leapt into
action on Friday 14th September following reports of a suspicious object in
the water
At approximately 19:20 hrs Falmouth
Coastguards received a 999 call fro a member of the public. They had spotted
a suspicious object in the water and were concerned that it may have been a
body.
The relief Atlantic 75 lifeboat, Daisy
Aitken, helmed by Mark Morris was dispatched to South Fistral where the
object was quickly identified as a anorak.
The anorak had air trapped in the padding and
did look like it could have been a person floating face down in the water.
A false alarm with good intent.
Could this be the start of a new trend? Could
this be the first anorak out shark spotting?
Crew : Mark Morris (helm), Ian Jepson,
Christian Brown
Wednesday 29th August 2007
Page & Muster
Tuesday 28th August
2007
Newquay RNLI lifeboat volunteers tow
three to safety
The volunteer crew of both of Newquay’s
RNLI lifeboats went to the aid of three people aboard a catamaran that had
lost its mast off Towan Head in Newquay.
Newquay’s D class lifeboat Valerie Wilson was
launched at 12.40 and shortly afterwards at 12.45 the relief Atlantic
lifeboat Daisy Aitken was launched. The three people onboard the 19 foot
catamaran, two of which were on holiday from Birmingham, had just set out on
a days cruise from Newquay Harbour, when the mast began to come down. With a
north westerly wind, force 3-4, and a moderate swell, the volunteer lifeboat
crew could not see any reason why the mast should fall down. However, on
closer inspection they could see that a metal plate, which holds the mast to
the deck, was missing.
The Atlantic lifeboat crewed by volunteers
Nick Marr on helm, Tim Stokes and Kevin Walsh towed the catamaran back to
shore, where she was transferred to the D class lifeboat crewed volunteers
by Joe Emmett on helm and Ashley Mann. The D class lifeboat brought her
safely back into Newquay Harbour where she will be repaired.
Newquay RNLI lifeboat’s second shout of
the day
Newquay RNLI lifeboat volunteer crew were
called out last night (28 August) for the second time in one day. Both RNLI
lifeboats launched to investigate a call from a member of the public who had
reported seeing people cut off by the tide at Holywell Bay, North Cornwall.
The relief Atlantic lifeboat Daisy Aitken,
crewed by RNLI volunteers Nick Marr on helm, Mike Martin and Ross King
launched at 20.36 hours, along with the D class lifeboat Phyllis, crewed by
RNLI volunteers Joe Emmett at helm, Sean Taylor and Tim Stokes. Both
lifeboats searched the northern end of Holywell Bay where the sighting had
been reported.
While the volunteer lifeboat crews could not
find anyone in difficulties, they did find two teenagers who were in no
danger, angling on the rocks. The teenagers clothing matched the description
given, and after a further search of the area recovered nothing, the
lifeboat crews concluded the sighting was a false alarm, but with good
intent.
Gareth Horner, Newquay RNLI lifeboat
operations manager says:
‘The Newquay RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew would like to reassure the public
that if they are genuinely concerned that they may have seen someone in
difficulties, they should always call the coastguard. The volunteer crew
would much rather respond to a false alarm with good intent than to a
tragedy. The coastguard can be contacted by dialling 999 and asking for the
coastguard.’
Saturday 25th August 2007
Not the foggiest, Newquay’s RNLI
lifeboat rescues motorboat lost in the fog.
Newquay RNLI lifeboat went to the rescue
of two local men aboard a motorboat yesterday (25 August) off Pentire Point.
The men had lost their bearings in the dense fog which covered the north
Cornwall coast, and were unable to navigate their way back to land in the
poor visibility.
Newquay’s relief Atlantic lifeboat Daisy
Aitken, with volunteer crew; Kevin Gee, on helm, Joe Emmett, Ben Eglinton
and Ian Jepson, launched at 18:18 hours on the request of Falmouth
coastguard, to recover the 12 foot motorboat Whispering Lady, who was lost
in the sea mist off Towan Point.
With visibility around 300m, the lifeboat
requested Whispering lady let off a red flare, which would enable the crew
to pin point her exact location. However, even after the red flare was
fired, the lifeboat could still not locate the motorboat, and asked the two
men onboard to describe what they could see in the poor visibility.
From their description of a group of rocks,
the lifeboat crew, who know the local coastline extensively, located
Whispering Lady off Pentire point, a good mile away from the position they
had originally given.
Daisy Aitken escorted Whispering lady back to
Newquay harbour, and docked at 18.48 hours.
Monday 20th August 2007
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboat responds to Mayday
Newquay's RNLI lifeboat was tasked by
Falmouth coastguard late on Monday 20th August to respond to a Mayday call
received on channel 16, south west of Trevose Head. They were joined by
Padstow’s RNLI lifeboat, but both were stood down after a search of the area
found nothing.
Newquay's relief Atlantic RNLI lifeboat Daisy
Aitken, helmed by Ian Jepson was launched at 23:23 hrs to search up the
coast towards Trevose Head for the source of the Mayday call, while
Padstow's Tamar lifeboat began a search down the coast towards Newquay.
Conditions were poor with a northerly gale
force 5 wind and lumpy seas. The RNLI volunteer crew on Daisy Aitken
went to investigate lights spotted out a sea off Newquay. On route they were
swamped by a big wave, which broke the VHS aerial off. While they stopped to
replace it, Falmouth coastguard had picked up the source of the lights on
their AIS system (radar) and confirmed it was a known vessel 9 miles off
Newquay and provided further confirmation that the vessel was not the
casualty they were looking for.
A further search by Newquay and Padstow
lifeboats found nothing and at 00:08 hrs Newquay's Daisy Aitken was
stood down while Padstow lifeboat continued to search the coastline as they
made their back to station where they were expected to be stood down.
Daisy Aitken crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Michael
Martin, Andrew Trebilcock
Wednesday 15th August 2007
Triple Top. Three shouts in five hours
for Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats.
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launched three
times in five hours on Wednesday 15th August 2007. This is the latest in a
succession of multiple shouts bringing the total number of launches for this
month alone to eleven.
The first call for help came at
approximately 15:20 hrs. Three people (father, mother and daughter) were
in difficulties in the water off Bedruthan steps. As the lifeboat arrived on
scene the family had managed to get back to shore. It was thought that the
father may have swallowed a lot of sea water so the family were flown to the
Royal Cornwall Hospital as a precaution.
The second call was at approximately 19:40
hrs. Falmouth Coastguards had received several 999 calls reporting that
a catamaran had capsized “several” times and was in difficulties.
The relief Atlantic lifeboat, Daisy Aitken,
was swiftly launched by tractor driver Wayne Martin with Kevin Gee at the
helm. As the lifeboat arrived on scene the catamaran, Mischief, was caught
in the surf off Lusty Glaze. Unable to get themselves out of difficulties
the two sailors had already abandoned the boat and were making their way to
shore. The lifeboat stood by until they were ashore and then returned to
station. The catamaran, a Hobie 16, was left in the surf in the hands of the
sea.
This is not the first time that Newquay
RNLI’s volunteer crew have mustered to save this sailor and his boat, Gareth
Horner, Newquay RNLI lifeboat operations manager says:
“We have lost count of the numerous times we
have launched to this chap and his boat.
”He was sailing in poor conditions at the limits of high water, on a lee
shore. This is asking for trouble. He got away with it by the skin of his
teeth, he was very lucky.
”If they had come ashore 100m to either side of where they ended up; with
the sea was breaking against the cliffs and rocks, the outcome would
probably have been very different.”
Mischief has long history with Newquay RNLI.
Her most notable shout was in February 2006 where she was rescued four times
in the space of four hour, twice by the lifeboat and twice by local fishing
vessels.
The third shout was at approximately 20:50
hrs. A member of the public had reported seeing a body boarder drifting
off Polly Joke (Porth Joke). With no mobile signal in the valley he had run
about half a mile back to the campsite to dial 999. Both lifeboats were
tasked in failing light and poor conditions.
The relief Atlantic lifeboat, Daisy Aitken,
crewed by Ian Jepson (helm). Joe Emmett and Michael Martin along with the D
class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson, crewed by Kevin Gee (helm), Tim Stokes and
Nick Marr, searched the area. Whilst they could find no one in difficulties,
they did find a floating fish box. This was thought to be the sighting and
the lifeboats and crew were stood down returning to station and 21:15 hrs.
Newquay’s RNLI volunteer crew would like to
reassure the public that if they are genuinely concerned that someone may be
in difficulties they should always call the coastguards. We would rather
respond to a false alarm with good intent that to a tragedy.
We would also urge all sea, beach and coastal
users to act responsibly. Check tidal conditions, check the weather and know
your limitations.
Shout #1
Atlantic Crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Kevin Gee, Joe Emmett
D Class Crew: Nick Marr (helm), Christian Brown, Tim Stokes
Shout #2
Atlantic Crew: Kevin Gee (helm), Joe Emmett, Ian Jepson
Shout #3
Atlantic Crew: Kevin Gee (helm), Joe Emmett, Tim Stokes
D Class Crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Ashley Mann, Phil Cornes
Sunday, 12 August 2007
Double shout for Newquay RNLI
Five people in difficulties off Holywell
beach sparked a launch for the Newquay RNLI volunteer crew with another
tasking to Whipsiderry beach on the way home.
At approximately 19:30 hrs on Sunday 12th
August, Newquay’s volunteer RNLI crew were tasked to assist 5 people in
difficulties off Holywell beach. Falmouth Coastguards had received a 999
call requesting help.
As the RNLI lifeboats launched, Falmouth
Coastguards received a call from a member of the public indicating that they
thought that all of the people in difficulties had managed to get back to
shore safely. However, Falmouth Coastguards requested that the crew still
attended the scene and ensured that all were safe and well.
Ian Jepson at the helm of the D class
lifeboat, Valerie Wilson, and Nick Marr helming the relief Atlantic lifeboat
Daisy Aitken, quickly sped to Holywell beach.
Satisfied that no one was in difficulties in
the water they were stood down at approximately 19:50 hrs. But there was no
rest for the wicked…
Falmouth Coastguards then diverted the
lifeboats to Whipsiderry beach following reports of a man falling
approximately 13 ft off rocks on to the beach. Nick diverted the Atlantic
lifeboat back to the lifeboat station to collect the spinal board whilst Ian
and his volunteer crew consisting of two off duty paramedics, proceeded to
Whipsiderry. As the lifeboat arrived, the casualty’s friend had managed to
walk him back up the steps to the cliff top despite his head injuries. He
was then transferred to the Royal Cornwall Hospital by land ambulance for
assessment and treatment.
The lifeboats returned to station and were
ready for the next call at 20:35 hrs.
Holywell beach one of many RNLI lifeguard
patrolled beaches, manned 10:00 – 18:00 hrs through out the summer months.
However, the RNLI provides search and rescue cover 24/7; 365 days of the
year for the whole coastline of the United Kingdom and the Republic of
Ireland, this is made possible by the dedication of volunteer lifeboat crew.
D Class Crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Ashley Mann,
Christian Brown.
Atlantic Crew: Nick Marr (helm), Michael Martin, Sean Taylor
Wednesday, 08 August
2007
Not so speedy.
Newquay’s relief
Atlantic lifeboat, Daisy Aitken, launched on Wednesday 8th
August 2007 to assist a broken down speed boat.
At approximately 16:10 hrs
the lifeboat launched with Ian Jepson at the helm. Falmouth Coastguards had
received a request for assistance for two adult males in a speed boat that
had suffered engine failure off Watergate bay.
Ian, assisted by Kevin Gee
and Joe Emmett, took the two men aboard the lifeboat and towed the stricken
vessel back to Newquay harbour.
This was the first shout
for relief lifeboat Daisy Aitken who arrived on station on Sunday.
Our Atlantic lifeboat has sustained damage whilst on service over the
weekend and is away for repair. Due to the expected arrival of the new
lifeboat in October and the length of time the repairs may take, it is
possible we may not see Phyllis back on station. Phyllis is due to join the
relief fleet in October and will provide a valuable backup for all Atlantic
75 lifeboats, ready to be deployed to any station at a moment’s notice 24/7
– 365.
Crew: Ian Jepson (helm),
Kevin Gee and Joe Emmett.
Sunday, 05 August 2007
No rest for the wicked
Following a highly successful lifeboat day
with bumper crowds, the public still needed the services of Newquay’s RNLI
lifeboat crew.
Newquay’s RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew are
available 24/7 365 days of the year. Despite arriving at the station at
08:00 am to help with the setting up of lifeboat day, and then having to
wait for the arrival of the relief lifeboat, the volunteer shore and
lifeboat crew leapt into action at 19:20 hrs following reports of 2 or 3
children in the water off rocks on Porth beach.
The D Class Lifeboat, Valerie Wilson,
launched with Ian Jepson at the helm, accompanied by Christian Brown and
Michael Martin. As they arrived at Porth there was only one 12 y.o in
difficulties who had managed to scramble to the rocks. The others had
managed to make their way safely back to shore.
They transferred the girl back to the safety
of the beach and returned to station – hopefully for the last time this
weekend.
D Class Crew : Ian Jepson
(helm), Christian Brown, Michael Martin
Shore Crew: Mark Weston (mule), John Ripper,
Wayne Martin, Ross King, Mark Morris
Saturday, 04 August 2007
Two for the price of one.
Newquay RNLI lifeboat was tasked on
Saturday 4th August 2007 at 15:57 hrs to search for a man cut of by the tide
at Bedruthan steps but diverted on return to rescue to lads caught in a rip.
The Newquay RNLI inshore lifeboats were
tasked following a 999 call form a woman whose brother was cut off on the
beach at Bedruthan Steps. Failing mobile signal meant it was sketchy as to
the exact location.
The Atlantic lifeboat, Phyllis, helmed by Ian
Jepson and the D Class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson with Nick Marr at the helm
were swiftly launched.
As the lifeboats arrived on scene they were
asked to stand off as St Merryn Coastguard team where able to lift the
casualty to the top of the cliff. He was about 160 ft from the bottom of the
cliff and it is not known if he was going up or coming down. The cliff
rescue team safely recovered him up the cliff.
As the volunteer crews were returning to
station the Ian and his crew were redeployed to another rescue off
Whipsiderry beach. A 16 y.o. boy on a body board had been caught in a rip.
His 21 year old brother had gone in to help him and also got in to
difficulties.
With a heavy ground sea running, Ian asked
the RNLI lifeguard on scene on his RWC (jet ski) if he could tackle the surf
and pick up the casualties. The Atlantic lifeboat stood off. The ground sea
proved too much for the RWC and the lifeguard ended up capsized in the
water. As the lifeguard righted his vessel and swiftly recovered one of the
casualties, Ian took his crew through the heavy surf to reach the second
casualty.
On the approach to the casualty the lifeboat
crew were swamped by heavy waves, sufficient to rip their visors off their
helmets.
Both casualties were taken safely back to the
beach.
On Sunday morning the lifeboats boats
launched to escort Padstow RNLI’s Tamar Class lifeboat, Spirit of Padstow,
into the harbour for lifeboat day. It was shortly after this that it became
evident that there was a problem with Phyllis, the Atlantic class lifeboat.
Phyllis is a RIB boat – rigid hull with inflatable sponsons (the blow up
bits around the side). The crew had spotted that the sponsons were parting
from the hull and bought her back to the harbour for the station mechanics
to have a look.
It is thought that this damage was probably
sustained on Saturday’s shout when the crew were rescuing two people from
heavy surf. At one point the boat was completely swamped by heavy waves. The
crew lost their visors off their helmets. This coupled with the fact that
the last couple of months have included a lot of heavy sea work is suspected
to have caused the damage.
So, at approximately 12:00 noon Sunday 5th
August, the Atlantic lifeboat was taken off station. At the same time, an
Atlantic lifeboat was dispatched by road from RNLI HQ in Poole. The relief
lifeboat, Daisy Aitken was on station and ready to go at approximately 18:00
hrs. The RNLI’s back up relief fleet is on standby 24/7.
Atlantic Crew : Ian Jepson (helm), Kevin
Walsh, Matt Robins, Christian Brown
D Class Crew: Nick Marr (helm), Tim Stokes, Ben Eglington
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
“Don’t sing for me silly….”
Newquay RNLI lifeboat crew were surprised
to respond to people apparently indicating they were in distress to be
offered a “tune on their guitar”
Newquay’s volunteer RNLI crew had been on the
water for the Gannel gig race, an annual gig race from the Gannel to Newquay
Harbour. At approximately 19:30 hrs on Tuesday 31st August 2007 the
lifeboats had just returned to the harbour were recovering to the launching
trailer when a local pleasure boat reported they had seen 2 people on Towan
island waving, indicating as if they were in distress.
The D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson, helmed
by Ian Pengelly, swiftly relaunched.
On approaching the island Ian and his crew,
Christian Brown & Michael “Sharkbait” Martin found the two adults were not
in need of help but wanted to serenade the crew on their guitar.
Astounded, but assured of the singers’ safety
the crew left them to contemplate their actions and await the out going
tide.
D class crew: Ian Pengelly (helm), Christian
Brown, Michael Martin
Atlantic crew: Nick Marr (helm), Kevin Walsh, Sean Taylor
Saturday 28th July 2007
Australia 0 Newquay RNLI 2
Newquay RNLI’s volunteer crew were
astounded to find two adult Australians crammed into a toy inflatable made
for one, when they launched this afternoon. Both Newquay lifeboats were
called out following reports of two people floating offshore in a small
dinghy. When the crews reached the scene the Australians, who weren’t
wearing lifejackets, were off Pentire Point and their boat was full of water.
The two Australians who were both aged 25,
were planning to paddle round the point and climb onto an island of rocks to
have their lunch. Both were wearing wetsuits and said they were experienced
in the water, but their tiny inflatable had caused people onshore concern.
Both Newquay RNLI’s inshore lifeboats were launched, but the Atlantic,
Phyllis, (crewed by volunteers Mark Sutherland (Helm), Rob Green and Eddie
Burt) returned once it was obvious that the crew of the D class inshore
lifeboat, Valerie Wilson, could deal with the incident.
In a westerly wind blowing force 3 to 4 and
a moderate sea, the volunteer RNLI crew of Joe Emmett, Christian Brown and
Ashley Mann, picked up the two men and dropped them ashore at Pentire.
Joe Emmett, volunteer RNLI Helm, says both
Australians were very apologetic but said they hadn’t appreciated they might
be doing something silly:
‘They seemed to think it was alright to
paddle around in a tiny inflatable that was really only big enough for one.
These boats are nothing more than toys and can be carried off by wind and
tide very easily. They are certainly not designed to go to sea.’
‘Neither man was wearing a lifejacket so if
there had been a problem with the boat they would have had to rely on their
strength to swim back to shore. They said they were experienced in the
water, but things can go wrong very quickly offshore and safety equipment
can help you cope.
I hope they now realise the danger they could
have been in and won’t make the same mistake again.’
It was the second emergency all of the day
for the Newquay crew volunteers. Both lifeboats were launched at 2am
following reports of a missing person. But they were stood down before
reaching the water.
D Class Crew: Joe Emmett (helm), Christian
Brown and Ashley Mann.
Atlantic crew : Mark Sutherland (Helm), Rob Green and Eddie Burt
Night Muster : Kevin Gee, Ian Jepson,
Christian Brown, Michael Martin, Wayne Martin, Ross King, Ashley Mann, Nick
Marr, Mark Morris, Stuart Wray.
Thursday, 26 July 2007
Lifeboat and lifeguards leap into
action.
Newquay’s RNLI lifeguards and volunteer
RNLI lifeboat crew leapt in to action at 17:00 hrs on Wednesday 25th July
2005 following reports of a speed boat in difficulties.
A speed boat had suffered engine failure just
off Lamorna cove, Newquay and was being washed onto the rocks. With the boat
caught in the back of the surf it was quickly swamped with water. The two
men on board had no choice but to leave the boat and take their chances in
the heavy surf. Once the men were in the water the boat flipped and for a
short time they were trapped beneath it.
RNLI lifeguards on Tolcarne beach saw the
speed boat in trouble. Having radioed Falmouth coastguard they then
contacted RNLI lifeguards at neighbouring Great Western beach. Wes Roux,
RNLI lifeguard at Great Western took to the water on his RNLI rescue water
craft, (RWC). Meanwhile Falmouth coastguards also tasked Newquay’s inshore
lifeboat to launch.
When Wes reached the casualties they had
managed to get themselves from under the boat. Wes transferred them on his
RWC and took them out beyond the surf to the waiting lifeboat.
The Atlantic lifeboat, Phyllis, helmed by
Kevin Gee took the casualties back the lifeboat station, safe and well. The
same could not be said for their boat which met its demise on the rocks of
Lamorna cove.
Shortly afterwards, at about 17:30 hrs, RNLI
lifeguard Wes Gordon rescued a surfer at Tolcarne beach in Newquay. The
surfer got caught in a big set of waves and ended up on the rocks on the
north end of the beach.
Wes had to be very careful as the surfer had
suspected spinal injuries and a broken ankle. Assisted by a member of the
public, Wes then got the injured surfer safely to the beach.
The RNLI lifeguards transferred the injured
surfer to a spinal board to keeping him stable and avoiding making his
injuries worse. A land ambulance then took him to hospital.
Paul Benney, RNLI Area Lifeguard Manager for
Restormel says;
‘The two incidents today, illustrate how well
the RNLI lifeguards and local RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew at Newquay can
work together to provide a seamless lifesaving service. The different types
of equipment and specialist training the crew and lifeguards complement each
other in a rescue situation.’
Atlantic Crew: Kevin Gee (Helm), Joe Emmett,
Michael Martin.
Lifeguards: Wes Roux, Wes Gordon
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Double shout for volunteer crew
Newquay RNLI lifeboats launched at 18:50
hrs on Wednesday 18th July 2007 to assist with the rescue of two people cut
off by the tide.
Falmouth coastguards had received a 999 call
reporting two people cut off by the tide below the Barrowfields. The two
teenage holiday makers had been caught unaware by the incoming tide.
The Atlantic lifeboat, Phyllis, with Kevin
Gee at the helm and the D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson, with Howard Ramm
at the helm were swiftly launched. The two lads were picked up by the D
class lifeboat and taken back to the harbour.
The lifeboats were just being washed down
when the services of the D class were needed again. A group of six lads had
also been caught out by the tide and were trapped on Towan Island. With
Kevin Gee at the helm, the Valerie Wilson and her crew rescued the lads and
transferred them back to the beach.
Howard Ramm is not one of our usual crew.
Howard is the RNLI TDI, Training Divisional Inspector and was at the station
with Newquay’s Lifeboat Operations Manager for one of the regular training
inspections of the volunteer crew. Proving that he can practice what he
teaches, Howard eagerly took the helm of the D class with two of our regular
crew accompanying him.
Atlantic Crew: Kevin Gee (helm), Michael
Martin, Ross Trebilcock.
D class Crew #1: Howard Ramm (Helm), Kevin Walsh, Phil Cornes.
D class Crew #2: Kevin Gee (Helm), Kevin Walsh, Michael Martin.
Sunday, 15 July 2007
Search for missing angler.
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboat launched at 05:05
hrs on Sunday 15th July 2007 to search for a missing angler.
Falmouth coastguards tasked Newquay’s inshore
lifeboat in response to a 999 call. An angler was missing after an evening
fishing near Porthcothan. The 50 year old holiday maker had left to go
fishing at approximately 18:00 hrs on Saturday 16th July, telling his family
he would be back by dark.
Newquay’s D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson,
was launched with Kevin Gee at the helm. The Newquay lifeboat crew
accompanied by Padstow lifeboat and coastguard cliff rescue teams searched
the area between Porthcothan beach and Treyarnon bay. With nothing found
Falmouth coastguards stood the lifeboats and coastguards down at
approximately 07:30 hrs with a view to recommencing the search at low water.
Crew: Kevin Gee (helm), Phil Cornes, Ben
Eglington, Kevin Walsh
Thursday 12th July 2007
Another night at sea.
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launched at 02:35
hrs on Thursday 12th July 2007 to help search for a missing 15 year old.
Falmouth coastguards tasked Newquay’s inshore
lifeboats in response to a 999 call. A vulnerable 15year male had gone
missing whilst out with his friends. Whilst walking along the road he had
jumped over a fence and taken off across the golf course towards Fistral
beach.
Newquay’s Atlantic lifeboat, Phyllis, helmed
by Ian Jepson launched swiftly followed by the D class lifeboat, Valerie
Wilson, with Kevin Gee at the helm. They were directed to search from the
Fly cellars, just outside the harbour around to Towan head, towards Fistral
beach.
Conditions were relatively calm but
visibility was poor. After exhausting their supply of illuminating para
flares, the D class returned to station at 03:30 hrs for more flares and
returned to the scene to continue searching.
At 04:00 hrs the lifeboats were stood down by
Falmouth coastguard but requested to return to recommence at first light,
approximately 05:20 hrs. The crew elected to remain at the station. The
boats were refuelled and prepared to relaunch.
At 05:30 hrs the lifeboat operations manager
was informed that the lad had just been found by the Coastguards, safe and
well albeit cold and wet.
The volunteer crew returned to their beds to
catch a nap before getting up for their day jobs.
Atlantic Crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Nick Marr,
Phil Cornes & Kevin Walsh
D Class Crew: Kevin Gee (helm), Ross King & Christian Brown
Monday 2nd July 2007
Marathon rescue for
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats.
The Newquay RNLI
lifeboats launched at 16:00 hrs to help search for a missing RNLI lifeguard
and a female companion. At 00:40 hrs the Atlantic lifeboat was diverted to
reports of something in the water off Constantine bay.
The RNLI lifeguard had
gone to explore a cave only accessible at low tide between Mawgan Porth and
Bedruthan Steps. When they became over due the RNLI lifeguards from Mawgan
Porth commenced searching in the IRB, inshore rescue boat and on their
PWC’s, personal water craft. Unable to locate the couple, Newquay’s RNLI
lifeboats were tasked along with Newquay’s coastguard cliff rescue teams and
a helicopter from RNAS Culdrose.
Newquay’s Atlantic
lifeboat, Phyllis, helmed by volunteer crew member Ian Jepson and the
D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson helmed by Joe Emmett quickly joined
the search. There was a huge sea and the tide was coming in.
At approximately 16:45hrs,
the Padstow lifeboat, Spirit of Padstow was also tasked to join the
search. The Newquay cliff rescue team was joined by St Merryn and St Agnes’
cliff rescue team. RNLI lifeguards were also on the cliff top assisting the
cliff rescue teams.
At 19:51 hrs Newquay’s D
class returned to station for a crew change, shortly followed by the
Atlantic at 20:13 hrs. Nick Marr and Mark Sutherland took the helms of the
Atlantic lifeboat and the D class respectively. The initial crew were sent
home to refresh and warm up ready to return to the water if required.
As darkness fell the three
lifeboats were forced to stand off the entrance to the cave where the
casualties were thought to be in the hope that as the tide receded they
would be able to make their way out. The area in front of the cave was
littered with boulders and rocks making access by the lifeboat impossible
through the heavy sea.
At 22:06 hrs Newquay’s D
class returned to station for a crew change, followed by the Atlantic at
22:48 hrs. The original crew members were sent back out, this time with Joe
and his crew in the Atlantic lifeboat and Ian and his crew in the D class.
At approximately 23:40 hrs
the lifeguard was spotted in the water swimming towards the Padstow
lifeboat. He was quickly taken on board and confirmed that the female
casualty was in the cave on a ledge suffering from hypothermia. He was
subsequently transferred to the shore in the D class lifeboat and taken to
hospital via land ambulance.
Access to the cave was still impossible by
lifeboat. Kevin Gee at the helm of the D class lifeboat collected two RNLI
lifeguards and took them as close as he could to the entrance of the cave,
where upon the lifeguards swam into the cave. The helicopter winch man was
lowered to the cave and he, helped by the lifeguards brought the casualty
out at approximately 00:55 hrs. She was winched to the helicopter and
immediately transferred to the Royal Cornwall Hospital.
The D calls lifeboat was released from
service at 01:35 hrs and returned to station. The state of the tide meant
that lifeboat was recovered onto Towan beach and the bought back to station
by road. The lifeboat had been on the water for over 9.5 hours.
At 00:40 hrs the Atlantic lifeboat was tasked
to another shout off Constantine bay. A female was heard screaming in the
water. The Atlantic lifeboat helmed by Mark Morris immediately proceeded to
the scene where they searched until approximately 03:00 am when they were
stood down by Falmouth coastguards. During that time an item of clothing was
found in the water, the possible cause of the alarm.
The low state of the tide and heavy surf
meant that the Atlantic lifeboat was forced to carry out a net recovery on
Towan beach, nearly 12 hours after she first launched. Some of the crew had
been at sea for over 8 hours – a long time in an ILB. The lifeboat was then
transferred back to the harbour via the town roads. At 04:20 hrs the station
doors were shut and the crew finally went home after a long 12 ½ hours.
Gareth Horner, Newquay RNLI lifeboat
Operations Manager says:
"This was a fantastic team effort by all of the volunteer crew. The boats
and their crew were at sea in very difficult conditions for a very long
time. The shore crew remained at the boathouse for the whole 12 hours,
refuelling the boats as they returned for the crew changes and finishing
with difficult recoveries on Towan beach”
