RNLI Penlee and yacht saves two
RNLI Penlee’s all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat the Ivan Ellen launched to a capsized craft with people in the water just before 4:30 on Sunday 9th June after receiving a tasking request from Falmouth Coastguard.
Penlee Lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Patch Harvey and six RNLI volunteers launched immediately and within two minutes had arrived at the scene. One person was quickly pulled onboard the lifeboat while the other person was recovered by a yacht near-by and transferred to the lifeboat.
The two casualties were very cold and showing signs of hypothermia so an ambulance was called, the lifeboat crew kept the casualties warm and one was given oxygen.
Penlee Lifeboat headed back to Newlyn so that the casualties could be warmed inside the lifeboat station until the ambulance arrived.
The Lifeboat then re-launched and the crew recovered the vessel and personal belongings and returned to Newlyn.
Coxswain Patch Harvey said ‘The actions of the gig rowers informing the Coastguard immediately and the assistance of the yacht helped save two lives, everyone involved did a great job’.
Always wear a personal flotation device. Make sure you are also wearing suitable clothing for the forecasted weather conditions.
Always carry a means of calling for help on your person. You must be able to reach it easily in an emergency. If it can’t be reached, it’s no help. Consider taking a mobile phone with the SafeTrx app when rowing in open water.
Penlee RNLI is based in Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 5HW. The volunteers crew an all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat the Ivan Ellen and a B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat the Mollie and Ivor Dent. The Penlee Lifeboat has a rich 200 years history of saving lives at sea.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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