Penlee RNLI volunteers assist in cliff rescue

The RNLI’s Severn class lifeboat ’Ivan Ellen’ launched immediately under the command of coxswain Patch Harvey and six other crew members, arriving on scene in just under 20 minutes.

Using searchlights and a thermal imaging camera, the lifeboat started a shoreline search from Rinsey heading east and located the casualty east side of Trewavas Head. Penlee RNLI volunteers notified the Coastguard Rescue Teams from Penzance and Porthleven and kept search lights on the casualty. At the same time the Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter was tasked.

The casualty had suffered injuries after falling while rock climbing and required hospital treatment.

The Search and Rescue Helicopter arrived on scene and landed in a field behind Trewavas Head, two of the helicopter crew assisted the Coastguard Rescue Teams to stabilise the casualty and prepare him for a helicopter transfer.

After approximately 30 minutes the helicopter re-launched and using a high line and skilful flying very close to the cliff, the helicopter lifted the casualty and crew and made way to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

During the whole incident the Penlee lifeboat volunteer crew continued to provide valuable lighting using search lights - and provided safety cover below.

The Coastguard Rescue Teams, the Search and Rescue Helicopter crew and the Penlee lifeboat all worked well together giving the casualty the best treatment to recover from the injuries sustained.

Penlee Lifeboat arrived back in Newlyn and was made ready for service at 10pm.

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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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.