A prompt launch followed and under the command of duty Coxswain Darren Thirlaway, RNLB Mollie Hunt proceeded to Kennack Sands after concerns had been raised for a potential missing swimmer. Clothing and personal belongings had been left on the beach for some time along with a car in the car park believed to belong to the same person. As concern for the persons safety grew the decision was taken to raise the alarm. The Coastguard Rescue team from Mullion were also in attendance.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 11.40am and the crew began an immediate search of the area. Whilst this was taking place a fishing vessel who had been following proceedings on their own VHF radio reported to the lifeboat that they had seen a lone snorkeller just off Poltesco Cove a short time earlier. The lifeboat was diverted to this new location and once on scene and having contacted the snorkeller it was confirmed that this was indeed the potential casualty in question who was in no need of any assistance. The gentleman was unaware of the concerns of both the RNLI Lifeguards and the lifeboat crew and was advised in the future to always let a third party know of his whereabouts when swimming alone.
The lifeboat was stood down to return to her station at 12.10pm. Whilst heading back to Kilcobben Cove another fishing vessel contacted the lifeboat asking for our intervention following sightings of a small, poorly inflated dinghy approximately 3 nautical miles off Cadgwith Cove.
As the lifeboat approached, the dinghy was seen to be carrying 3 persons none of whom were wearing life jackets in a very unsuitable and unseaworthy inflatable vessel which also had an outboard motor attached. Water safety advice and reminders were passed to the 3 occupants who then made their way into Cadgwith. The lifeboat arrived back at the station at 12.30pm where she was rehoused and made ready for service again when required by 12.45pm.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Lyndsay Bray, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]
Kyle Reed, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for South West England, 07786 668847, [email protected]
Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [email protected]
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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