Looe RNLI volunteer crew launch to two windsurfers reported to be in difficulty

At 10.25 am, this morning, Saturday 6 June 2020, pagers alerted our RNLI volunteer crew to reports of two windsurfers in difficulties east of Downderry. Within nine minutes the charity’s Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II was being launched by tractor driver Chris Lewis, guided by head launcher Nick Pope and shore crew Jack Spree. With Toby Bray at the helm supported by crew Clive Palfrey, Victoria Thomas and Dave Jackman the Atlantic 85 headed across Looe bay. Arriving on scene our volunteer crew could not find any windsurfers in the water. Spotting two on the beach our crew made their way over to talk to them. After confirming they were both safe, the crew were stood down and returned to station.

Our volunteer crew said that the first informants did the right thing in calling the coastguard after seeing what they thought was someone in trouble. ‘We would always rather launch and not be needed, than not be called and learn that someone was really in danger. Anyone who has concerns about people along the coast should act promptly and call 999 to alert the Coastguard.

END

Notes to editors

Photos:

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

· Low tide recovery of Looe RNLI Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II
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

· 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 Marianne Quinn, 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.