Hope Cove RNLI lifeguards rescue two people with help of independent lifeboat
Senior RNLI lifeguard Tom Morris and RNLI lifeguard Georgie Longbottom were on duty at Hope Cove on Tuesday 25 July when they noticed a small sailing boat with two people onboard drifting towards the rocks at approximately 1.30pm.
After spotting the pair in trouble, Georgie decided to paddle out to check on them and found out they had snapped their rudder so were unable to sail to safety. She helped them hold their position, advising them on how and where to try to paddle to stop them from hitting the rocks.
Senior Lifeguard Tom Morris radioed the coastguard, requesting help from the independent lifeboat based at Hope Cove, of which Georgie is a trainee crew member.
The sailing boat was unable to make headway against the wind and swell, and was in close danger of being washed into the rocks. Due to the danger, Georgie prepared to take the two people on board to get them off the boat as it was too close to the rocks. Fortunately this was when the Hope Cove independent lifeboat arrived on scene, and they were able to throw a line and tow the boat away from the rocks back to safety.
Kate Doison, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said: ‘Georgie used her combined RNLI lifeguard skills and those she is learning with the Hope Cove lifeboat as a trainee to ensure the safety of the two people as well as the sailing boat. This was a great outcome made possible by the excellent joined up work of the two services.’
Note to editors
- Outer Hope Cove beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards between 10am-6pm until 3 September.
- The enclosed photo shows RNLI lifeguard Georgie Longbottom. Please credit RNLI/Tom Morris.
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