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Looe RNLI lifeboat crews brave choppy seas to rescue a female stranded on rocks

Lifeboats News Release

Volunteer crews from Looe RNLI launched both inshore lifeboats in strong south easterly winds and choppy seas yesterday afternoon, Friday 26 May 2017, following reports of a female stranded on rocks by the outer harbour at Polperro

Looe RNLI Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II leaving Looe and heading towards Polperro

RNLI/Ian Foster

Looe RNLI Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II leaving Looe and heading towards Polperro

The female and a gentleman who went to her assistance were taken on board the Atlantic 85 and returned to the outer harbour steps at Polperro.

At 4.18 pm yesterday afternoon HM Coastguard Falmouth paged Looe RNLI volunteer crews following reports of a female cut off by the tide on rocks by the outer harbour at Polperro. Within 8 minutes both of the inshore lifeboats launched into strong south easterly winds and choppy seas. First to arrive was the charity’s Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II, the crew quickly located the female who was now accompanied by a gentleman who had climbed over the rocks to assist her. Arriving shortly afterwards the D Class inshore lifeboat Ollie Naismith stood by as the two stranded people were taken aboard the Atlantic 85 and returned safely to the outer harbour steps. Looe and Polruan Coastguard teams were also paged but stood down on route as the people were safe ashore.

The Atlantic 85 and D Class inshore lifeboats returned to Looe Lifeboat Station where they were washed down and refuelled ready to go back on service at 5.10 pm.

Both of Looe RNLI helms recommend that if you are on a beach or rocks keep aware of your surroundings and always check the tide times. If you are on the coast and spot something out of the ordinary contact the Coastguard on 999.

Atlantic 85 crew: Clive Palfrey (helm), Brian Bowdler, Matthew Jaycock and Victoria Thomas

D Class crew: Dan Margetts (helm), Aaron Rix and Robert Deakin

END

Notes to editors

· Picture -
Looe RNLI Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II leaving Looe and heading towards Polperro
credit RNLI / Ian Foster

· Picture -
Looe RNLI D Class Ollie Naismith leaving Looe and heading towards Polperro
credit RNLI / Ian Foster

· For further information on Looe RNLI Lifeboats please visit our website www.looelifeboats.co.uk


RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Ian Foster, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Looe Lifeboat Station, on 07902 753228 or [email protected] or [email protected]

or

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Public Relations Manager, on 07920 818807 or [email protected]

or

Carrie Garrad, RNLI Press Officer, on 07786 668847 or [email protected]

Alternatively you can contact the RNLI Duty Press Officer on 01202 336789.

Looe RNLI D Class Ollie Naismith leaving Looe and heading towards Polperro

RNLI/Ian Foster

Looe RNLI D Class Ollie Naismith leaving Looe and heading towards Polperro

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.

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