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Lizard RNLI Launches into Thick Fog

Lifeboats News Release

Our crew pagers sounded at 08:39am following a launch request received by Falmouth Coastguard. Under the command of Coxswain Afloat Mechanic Amy Smith, RNLB Rose launched on service into thick fog at 9am.

RNLI/The Lizard RNLI

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Our tasking to was go to the assistance of a sailing vessel which had gone aground in the vicinity of Spernick Cove, east of Kennack Sands. RNLB Rose arrived at the position a short time later with Coastguard Rescue Teams from Mullion Coastguard Rescue Team, Porthoustock Coastguard Rescue Team and Porthleven Coastguard Team already on scene. The single occupant of the yacht had already abandoned his vessel and was confirmed to be safe and unharmed on the shore a short distance away.
The vessel was certainly in a firm position and showed no signs of moving from where it had gone aground, the priority was the safety of the casualty and to find the safest route of recovering him from the shoreline. With initial, dangerous conditions making recovery by sea a potential further risk of injury to the casualty and lifeboat crew, and with the sailor in no immediate danger RNLB Rose stood by while a rope team assessed extraction from the cliff.

The complicated terrain prevented a secure descent to beach level and the Coastguard helicopter Rescue 924 was requested to assist.
Whilst constantly monitoring the situation, RNLB Rose and the Coastguard Teams stood by to await the arrival of the helicopter. With the visibility worsening, and with quite spectacular precision Helicopter 924 was able to locate and safely extract the casualty from his shore based position.

Coxswain Amy Smith said ‘It was absolutely incredible work by the Coastguard helicopter and Coastguard Rescue Teams on scene that were able to get into a position to guide them in’

RNLB Rose was then stood down, arriving back at the station at 1:38pm where she was rehoused and made ready for service again when required.

Excellent work from all recuse emergency teams involved in this incident.

RNLI/The Lizard RNLI

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RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Lyndsay Bray, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Emma Haines, 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]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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About the author

Lyndsay Bray
Lifeboat Press Officer, The Lizard Lifeboat Station

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