At 3.15pm Falmouth Coastguard requested we launch on service to investigate reports of a lone surfboard seen in the vicinity of Church Cove – Gunwalloe with no sign of any occupant/s nearby.
Under the command of Coxswain Phil Woodcock, The Lizard Lifeboat launched and proceeded to the scene where upon arrival and following a thorough investigation it was ascertained that the surfboard had been reported as lost sometime earlier in the afternoon. Content that all was well RNLB Rose was stood down to return to her station arriving there and being made ready for service again when required by 4.30pm. Mullion Coastguard Rescue Team were also in attendance.
On this occasion this was a false alarm call made with good intent.
Our second service launch of the day came a very short time later with our pagers sounding again at 5.11pm. Falmouth Coastguard requested us along with both lifeboats from Penlee Lifeboat Station to immediately proceed to the area of Porthleven with reports of two persons in difficulty having entered the water in an attempt to retrieve their dog.
Following a prompt launch this time under the command of Second Coxswain Darren Thirlaway, RNLB Rose proceeded to the scene. At approximately 5.30pm it had been confirmed that the two casualties had managed to get back on to the shore, one of whom had been assisted by a local surfer. Their dog was also reported to be safe on the beach. With this in mind and just prior to our arrival on scene both RNLB Rose and the Penlee All Weather Lifeboat were both stood down to return to their stations. The Penlee Inshore Lifeboat proceeded to Porthleven to give medical assistance if required.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from Mullion and Porthleven were also on scene along with the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924. Our message to anyone whose dog falls from the coast path or is in trouble in the water, is to not put their own lives at risk by attempting a rescue but to call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.
RNLB Rose returned to Kilcobben Cove where she was rehoused and made ready for service again when required. Another excellent response to the sounding of their pagers from all at The Lizard Lifeboat Station.
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.
