
Clovelly RNLI joins multi-agency effort to rescue group stranded on cliffs
On Friday July 26 2024 volunteers from Clovelly RNLI were tasked to assist the coastguard, mountain rescue, and emergency services in a dramatic rescue near Bucks Mills.
Summer festivities on Clovelly Harbour were interrupted at 9.20pm, when the crew of the Toby Rundle were paged to reports of a group lost in the woods somewhere above the rocky stretch of coast to the East of the village.
At 9.39pm crew members Neil Wonnacott, Dave Taw, Luca Sanders, and Casie Harper arrived on scene, where a flashing light enabled them to locate the casualties stranded in a dangerous position between the cliff face and steep woodland.
After informing Hartland Coastguard Rescue Team of the casualties’ location, two crew members were placed ashore with a first aid kit as a precaution. They were also able to provide Hartland CRT with valuable information regarding potential access from the beach.
As various assets including the Coastguard helicopter, Bideford CRT, Bude CRT, Exmoor Mountain Rescue, and the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service arrived on scene, the crew assisted while the various agencies to assess the situation. Unfortunately, the helicopter was unable to retrieve the casualties from the air. Eventually, the decision was taken to lower them down to the beach below. The Toby Rundle returned to station at 4.05am, marking the end of a long night for Clovelly’s team of volunteers.
The group, which consisted of two adults and four children, are now safely recuperating from their ordeal.
“This was one of the longest shouts in my 25 years of volunteering for the RNLI,” helm Neil explained. “But although it was very challenging, it was great to see so many different agencies working together to tackle such a difficult rescue. There were multiple factors complicating the operation, but with teamwork we managed to achieve the best possible outcome.”
Anyone walking out along the coastline is always encouraged to take care planning their route and carry a means of calling for help.
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.