Newquay RNLI lifeboat volunteers assist six people in strong offshore wind

The first call was received at 10.30am when two men in a dinghy near Fly Cellars fired a distress flare and called for help after their propeller was fouled by angling gear and they began to drift towards rocks. They deployed an anchor, but were considering going into the water to reach the shore when the RNLI volunteers arrived on the charity's D class inshore lifeboat and took both men to safety.
 
At 12.35pm, the RNLI lifeboat crew were alerted again, this time to investigate a report of two women in difficulties in kayaks in Newquay Bay. It was later confirmed that both women had been able to reach safety without assistance, but the lifeboat crew then diverted to assist three other kayakers who were beginning to tire in the strong offshore wind. The three men were taken aboard the lifeboat and their kayaks were towed to the shelter of Newquay Harbour at 1.10pm.
 
The RNLI volunteers launched for the third time at 1.45pm to assist a broken down fishing boat, around ten miles from Newquay. With assistance from the lifeboat crew, the fisherman on the 33-foot fishing boat was able to resolve the problem and the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat returned to Newquay Harbour at 3pm.
 
The RNLI advises kayakers to check the weather and tides and to take advice about local conditions. RNLI volunteer helmsman, Joe Emmett, had planned to go out for lunch with his family to celebrate his birthday before he was alerted to the three calls. He said: 'There was a strong offshore wind blowing force five to six, which caused difficulties for kayakers in the bay'. 
 
 
RNLI contact
For further information please contact Andy Hobkinson, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Newquay RNLI lifeboat station on 07880 507464 or email [email protected].

Alternatively, Emma Haines, RNLI Public Relations Manager (South) on 07786 668847 or [email protected].

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.