Fowey RNLI lifeboat launches to person blown out to sea

There was a person in the water at Pentewan Sands, holding onto a kayak and being blown out to sea in an off-shore north westerly fresh breeze at 17-21 knots. Fowey’s volunteer crew launched the lifeboat at 2:20pm and made best speed to the location.

The Mevagissey to Fowey Ferry had heard the distress call to the coastguard and diverted from their route into the bay. They found the person and the kayak and recovered them onboard the ferry. The casualties were then transferred onto Fowey’s Atlantic lifeboat and brought back to shore. There was also another member of the public on scene in an inflatable boat offering assistance. Once ashore the casualty was handed over to the waiting Mevagissey coastguard team who checked to ensure that no medical assistance was required.

RNLI advice is: Never take inflatables out when the orange windsock is flying, as this indicates offshore winds which can be very dangerous and which will blow inflatables further out to sea. Always check the wind conditions before going out and do not take inflatables out in big waves. If you do use inflatables at the beach, keep near the shore, only use them between the red and yellow flags, and always follow the lifeguard’s advice. If you find yourself in the water stay calm and don’t panic. Hold onto your inflatable as it will help you float. Raise your hand and shout for help or call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Cathy Baillie, 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]

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.