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The Lizard RNLI Launched to Casualty Clinging on to Small Sailing Vessel

Lifeboats News Release

Our crew were paged at 8.11pm after receiving an immediate launch request from Falmouth Coastguard.

RNLI/Lizard RNLI Library - Geoff Squibb

A member of the public had sighted a person in the water clinging on to a small sailing vessel one nautical mile east of Coverack. Following a prompt launch and under the command of Coxswain Dan Atkinson the casualty and her vessel were located south of Lowland Point at 8.32pm. The smaller Y boat was launched from the lifeboat and with two crew members on board, the casualty was quickly recovered from the water and transferred to RNLB Rose. A full casualty care assessment was carried out and as a precaution it was decided that the casualty may be in need of medical attention.

The casualty was transferred in to the care of the South West Ambulance service at Coverack harbour and her vessel was safely towed in by Second Coxswain Darren Thirlaway who was in the Y boat. RNLB Rose and her crew then returned to the station and the lifeboat was made ready for service again (when required) by 10.30pm.

The lone sailor was believed to have fallen from her vessel at around 7.30pm so had spent over an hour in the water. The casualty, who thankfully was wearing a life jacket, wished to express her sincere thanks and gratitude to The Lizard Lifeboat crew and to the RNLI service.

Also in attendance and on scene were the Coastguard Rescue teams from Mullion and Porthoustock. Grateful thanks for their help and assistance during this service.

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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.

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