Sennen Cove RNLI volunteers carry out the medical evacuation of sick yachtsman
On Thursday 27 July at 3.03pm, HM Coastguard Falmouth requested the immediate launch of Sennen Cove Lifeboat all weather lifeboat City of London III to assist a sailor who had been taken ill in a position just south of the Runnelstone.
The Yacht, with a husband and wife on board called Falmouth Coastguard stating that the gentleman had been taken ill, suffering from chest pains, and needed help.
The Sennen Cove all weather lifeboat City of London III launched at 3.10pm with five RNLI volunteer crew on board and made best speed in reasonably fine weather to the casualty’s last known position arriving on scene at 3.28pm.
Two RNLI volunteer crew were placed on board the yacht to assess the sick gentleman and provide casualty care. He was conscious but in pain and needed to be evacuated as soon as possible.
The best option was to transfer the casualty to the lifeboat and transport him to the nearest port, where he could be passed onto a waiting Ambulance.
The Gentleman and one of the volunteer lifeboat crew carrying out the casualty care were transferred onto the lifeboat leaving the other RNLI crew member to assist the casualty’s wife with the yacht.
In the meantime, Coxswain Ollie George requested that Penlee Lifeboat launch to take the yacht in tow back to Newlyn.
The lifeboat left the yacht at 3.45pm and made best speed for Newlyn, arriving at 4.05pm where the crew passed the casualty into the care of a waiting NHS ambulance crew for his transfer to hospital.
Sennen Cove’s Tamar class lifeboat left Newlyn at 4.25pm to collect their remaining volunteer crew member from the yacht, which was now under tow by the Penlee lifeboat, and returned to Sennen Cove arriving at 5.10pm.
The lifeboat was recovered and made ready for service by 5.40pm.
Ends.
Notes to editors
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For more information please telephone Brian Simpson, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01736 871631, or 07762 057127 or [email protected], or Tim Stevens, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07971518403 or [email protected] or Marianne Quinn, Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847 or [email protected], or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789RNLI online
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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 over 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 142,200 lives.
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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.