St Agnes RNLI comes to the aid of two swimmers in multi-agency rescue
A routine evening of training was cut short for the crew of St Agnes RNLI yesterday (17 June) as they were called to the aid of two people reported to be struggling in the water off Tubby’s Head.
The lifeboat volunteer crew had just got kitted up to take part in their usual training exercises, but instead the D-class lifeboat immediately set off with three crew members on board. On arrival they found that the Coastguard helicopter, which had also been tasked, had already located the casualties, allowing the lifeboat to quickly reach them and bring them on board.
After assessing the casualties, it was decided to take one by helicopter for immediate medical attention, whilst the second was brought back to shore by the lifeboat into the care of waiting paramedics.
Richard Draisey, Helm at St Agnes RNLI, says: ‘It was fortunate that the crew was already kitted up for training, as it meant we could immediately launch when called. The Coastguard provided great assistance in helping to quickly locate the casualties, and the crew on board the lifeboat performed brilliantly – it was a real example of fantastic teamwork.’
Both casualties were assessed as having some minor injuries caused by scraping against rocks whilst trying to get back to land, but were otherwise unharmed and the first casualty who had been airlifted was released from hospital later that evening.
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.
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