Bude RNLI lifeboat crew assist in rescue of casualty with injured shoulder

The RNLI inshore lifeboat the George Bird and the Rescue Water Craft (RWC) were both launched at 3.45pm into surf, negotiating a choppy sea on route to the location at Rusey beach, just south of Strangles, near Boscastle. Bude Coastguard Rescue Team had eyes on the casualty and were able to direct the volunteer lifeboat crew to the exact position.

When on scene, the lifeboat crew were faced with surf and surging waves making the conditions tricky. The crew onboard the RWC were able to go close to the shore and provide valuable information regarding the location and potential hazards before the lifeboat was manoeuvred closer.

Despite the conditions the lifeboat was brought close enough to the rocks to allow two volunteer crew members, Brown Cardoo and Lizzie White, to be put ashore to assess the male casualty. It was deemed too risky to recover the casualty from the shore in the lifeboat due to his shoulder injury and the sea conditions.

Coastguard helicopter, Rescue 924, was tasked to assist and arrived on scene within a few minutes. A paramedic was lowered to winch the casualty from the shore. The casualty was then handed over to South West ambulance paramedics.

Using a fisherman's path, the casualty's friend was able to make his own way up from the beach to the cliff path and was met by members of Bude Coastguard Rescue Team.

Liam Sharpe, Bude Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) and lifeboat helm on the shout, said: 'The sea conditions, and location, on this shout were challenging and our volunteer crew members drew on their extensive training to ensure a successful rescue.

The casualties did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and requesting assistance from the coastguard. Accidents can happen at any time which is why it is vital to have a means of calling for help when near the coast or in the water. We wish the casualty a speedy recovery.'

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.