St.Agnes RNLI Lifeboat launched to cyclist cut off by the tide
A cyclist found himself stranded after the tide came in behind him, cutting him off from returning to the beach he had come from at Porthtowan.
The St Agnes RNLI Lifeboat boat was launched at 4.10pm on Monday 16 April on request of the HM Coastguard. The initial information was to assist a surfer in trouble on the Northern side of Porthtowan. It soon became apparent that this was an adult male who was cut off in dead man’s cove, just beyond the seawater swimming pool.
The casualty had mistimed the incoming tide and was reluctant to leave his bicycle that he had with him, so whilst looking for a place to put his bike above the high water mark became very cut–off from the main beach.
The HM Coastguard Helicopter also attended, and the casualty was airlifted to safety. The sea conditions were big, with a swell of approximately 2-3 metres with a strong south wind 6/7, and there was no beach for the lifeboat to safely land up on.
Tide times and heights vary throughout the month and can easily catch you out if you haven’t checked them. The RNLI advises people visiting the coast to check the tide tables before heading to the beach and to be aware of your surroundings and the tide's direction when you are out. It's important you carry a means of communication so that you can call for help should you find yourself in difficulty and if you see someone else in trouble near or in the water the charity advises you call for 999 and ask for the coastguard.
For more information visit www.respectthewater.com
Gavin Forehead (helm), Paul Fisher (crew), along with Trev Garland were on the lifeboat. This was Trev's very first attendance as crew.
The lifeboat returned to station at 5pm.
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
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