Looe RNLI volunteers respond to a report of overdue kayakers

With their pagers sounding at 12.44 pm this afternoon, Sunday 7 July 2019, Looe RNLI volunteers made their way to the lifeboat station to launch both of the charity’s inshore lifeboats. Making their way out into Looe bay, the Atlantic 85 lifeboat Sheila and Dennis Tongue II and D Class lifeboat Ollie Naismith had to pass by several luggers, which were moored in the bay for the second day of the Looe Lugger Regatta. Our volunteer crews had been tasked to search for a group of kayakers who were overdue back at Millendreath beach. Very quickly the kayakers were located safe and sound, one mile east of Millendreath beach unaware they were overdue.

Looe RNLI Volunteer helm, Clive Palfrey advises everyone out on the water to always carry a waterproof vhf radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, as a means of calling for help. Always keep these close at hand so they can be used in an emergency. He further advises that you tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Keep a track of time and, when you realise you will be overdue at your destination, make contact to confirm all is well and give a revised return time.

Both inshore lifeboats returned to the lifeboat station where they were prepared for service by 2.30 pm.

END

Notes to editors

Photos:

· Looe RNLI Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II in Looe bay
Photo credit RNLI / Sue Foster

· Looe RNLI Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II returning to Looe
Photo credit RNLI / Ian Foster

· Looe RNLI D Class Ollie Naismith returning to Looe
Photo credit RNLI / Ian Foster

Information

· Re-established as an inshore lifeboat station in 1992, Looe RNLI operate two inshore lifeboats
An Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II and a D Class Ollie Naismith

· Kayaking is one of the most popular watersports in the UK
RNLI safety advice for kayakers can be found on the RNLI website
https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/kayaking-and-canoeing

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

· Looe RNLI Facebook page www.facebook.com/LooeRNLI

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 Regional Media Manager, on 07920 818807 or [email protected]

or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer, 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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.