False alarm with good intent marks first call out for Port Erin RNLI crew member

The member of the public had witnessed two people on a single paddleboard leave Port Erin Bay travelling towards the Calf of Man, who had not returned two hours later. The volunteer lifeboat crew made up of Tony Mitchell (Helm), Liam Farrer, Neil Kemp and Sam Kennaugh assembled at the station and the lifeboat launched at 6.45pm. This was Crew Member Sam’s first shout since becoming a volunteer at Port Erin RNLI in August 2024, qualifying to go on shouts in November 2024.

The lifeboat proceeded out of Port Erin Bay towards the Calf Sound, Spanish Head and Sugar Loaf at the Chasms. The crew spoke with a number of people on the rocks and in kayaks on the water along their way, but none had seen the paddleboarders.

From the Chasms, the lifeboat progressed towards the Calf of Man and performed another coastal search. Once this was completed, the crew checked Cow Harbour, then returned to Port Erin Bay and, whilst doing so, carried on a coastal search. After approximately 90 minutes of searching, the crew spoke with HM Coastguard and Port Erin Lifeboat Station, and nothing else was reported regarding missing persons, so the search was called off.

Volunteer lifeboat crew member Sam said:

‘Although this was a false alarm and thankfully no one was in difficulty, it was great to put all my training into practice of getting ready at speed and launching the lifeboat alongside my fellow crew.

‘We carried out a thorough search pattern before we were stood down – and any time out on the water in the lifeboat is such valuable experience. Paddleboards carrying more than the advisable weight and number of people can be unstable in the water, and currents in and around Port Erin Bay can be very strong.

‘If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, please remember the Float to Live advice. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally, move your hands to help you stay afloat. It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently. Spread your arms and legs to improve stability and then try and call for help or raise the alarm if you are able to.

‘The concerned person ashore did the right thing in calling 999, if you ever spot anyone in difficulty – call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Port Erin Lifeboat Press Officer, Niki Beesley on [email protected] or 07624 481410.

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315 or the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.