Fowey RNLI lifeboat crew rescue 14 year old boy
On July 28 Fowey lifeboat crew volunteers launched their D Class inshore lifeboat. They were responding to a request from the coastguard to rescue a 14 year old boy who was unable to swim and who was stranded on Polmear Island off Charlestown.
The boy had become stranded when cut off by the rising tide and as he was unable to swim could not get to safety. He had managed to move from Polmear Island and get up onto some rocks closer to Charlestown. The lifeboat launched at 5.25pm in calm, sunny conditions. When the lifeboat arrived at the scene at 5.40pm, St. Austell Coastguard were in attendance and had started a water rescue. One of the coastguard team had reached the boy and was with him on the rocks. The lifeboat crew took the boat close into the rocks and got the boy onto the lifeboat.
Fowey D class helm, Amelia Luck said: 'Polmear Island is a notorious spot for tidal cut off. Getting cut off by the tide is a major cause of RNLI call outs. People are often unaware that they are in potential danger and as such are not prepared. We advise people to always check the tide times and heights and to keep a look out for incoming tide. It is also important to always carry a means of calling for help, which fortunately the boy had done.'
The volunteer crew took the boy back to Charlestown harbour where he was reunited with his parents who were waiting on the quay.
This was the first shout on the inshore lifeboat for new crew volunteer Harry Smith.
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.
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