Plymouth RNLI rescue boy trapped in a cave by the rising tide
Plymouth RNLI rescue boy trapped in a cave by the rising tide
Lifeboats News Release
Plymouth RNLI launched both lifeboats to assist Devon and Cornwall Police locate two boys who were reported to be trapped in a cave on Plymouth Hoe in the fading light last night (Sunday 3 April). The boys had been attempting to help a pigeon when they were caught out by the incoming tide.
As the Inshore Lifeboat Annabel E Jones Crewed by Helm Joe Sibley, Cameron Hicks and Sam Stephen approached the shoreline they were guided in by police and Plymouth Coastguard using torches. Due to the crystal clear water the crew could see the sea bed and guide the Inshore Lifeboat inside the cave.
The casualty, a fourteen year old boy from Plymouth, was quickly located deep inside the cave, cold and wet. He was recovered to the Inshore Lifeboat by the volunteer crew. The his friend, the second reported casualty had managed to self rescue from the cave and raise the alarm by dialling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.
The All Weather Lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover stood by ready to give further support if required.
The inshore lifeboat crew returned the casualty to shore and into the care of awaiting Plymouth Coastguard Rescue Team and Devon and Cornwall Police.
Both lifeboats returned to station ready for service.
RNLI safety advice:
If you're worried about your pet or an animal, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Don’t put yourself at risk by going into the water after them.
If you find yourself in the water unexpectedly, fight your instincts and float until the effects of
cold water shock pass.
Always take a means of calling for help.
Check the weather and tide times.
Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be back.
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.
