Plymouth RNLI launch to six teenagers cut off by the tide

After the parent of the teenager saw the post and then lost contact they dialled 999 and asked for the Coastguard. Falmouth Coastguard requested the assistance of the Plymouth RNLI to search for the missing teens.

The volunteer crew located the six trapped teens near Sharrow Beach (Whitsand Bay) and took them onboard the charity’s inshore Lifeboat (Annabel E Jones) After checking everyone was okay the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat took the six teens further down the beach to safety.

As this was going on the pagers sounded again at 6:59pm and the All Weather Lifeboat (Sybil Mullen Glover) was requested to launch by Falmouth Coastguard.

A 26ft Bayliner had suffered engine failure with a lone crewman that was unsure of his position. The volunteer crew launched and proceeded to search for the casualty vessel in and around Plymouth sound. The lone person on board spoke very little English and was unsure of his location but the experienced volunteer crew managed to locate him in Cawsand Bay and established a tow.

The decision was made that the Plymouth inshore lifeboat that was on its way back from the first tasking would take up the tow of the casualty vessel back to Plymouth Yacht Haven .

All weather lifeboat returned to station 8:05pm #Launch28

Inshore Lifeboat returned to station 8:30pm #Launch29

The RNLI's lifeguards can't be everywhere this summer. If you're heading to the coast, #BeBeachSafe: check the weather and tides, keep an eye on your family and don't use inflatables. In an emergency call 999 for the Coastguard.

After the lockdown restrictions have been eased the RNLI urges all who are using the water to make sure they understand the risks and follow safety advice:

• Take care near cliffs - know your route and your limitations

• Have a plan - check the weather forecast and tide times

• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float

• If individuals are choosing to go sailing or yachting it is important to ensure that equipment is properly checked and serviceable before going afloat.

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 142,700 lives.

If you would like to make a donation to the RNLI please follow the link: https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/donate or to find out more please visit rnli.org

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.