RNLI teams work together in challenging Storm Austen rescue at Sharrow Point

At approximately 10.50am, RNLI lifeguards at neighbouring Tregonhawke Beach were alerted by HM Coastguard to two people in difficulty near Sharrow Point, an area known for its hazardous rocks and challenging sea conditions.

With Tregonhawke Beach closed to the public and flying red flags because of the severe weather conditions caused by Storm Austen, RNLI lifeguards quickly made their way towards the scene to assess the situation. RNLI lifeguard Rupert Callard traversed the rocks at Sharrow Point to find a casualty stranded on the rocks, while RNLI lifeguard Terry Dungay provided updates to HM Coastguard and coordinated the developing response.

As the incident unfolded, HM Coastguard requested support from Looe RNLI's inshore lifeboats and a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter. Looe RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew launched in both their Atlantic 85 and D class lifeboats, while Plymouth RNLI volunteers launched the all-weather lifeboat was tasked to provide additional cover.

Crews faced extremely challenging conditions, with strong north-westerly winds, rough seas and limited access around the coastline. Upon arrival, lifeboat crews assessed that sea conditions close to the casualties made a rescue by lifeboat unsafe .. Instead, the lifeboat crews remained on scene providing support while the rescue was coordinated from the shore and air.

The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter successfully winched one casualty from the rocks and transferred them safely to the beach, while RNLI lifeguards assisted the second casualty away from the water and back to safety. Both casualties were assessed on the beach by emergency services before being handed into the care of Coastguard Rescue Team members.

Following the rescue, Plymouth RNLI's all-weather lifeboat crew escorted Looe RNLI's Atlantic 85 back towards Looe as sea conditions continued to deteriorate. .

Charlie Gillett, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said:

‘This was a great example of teamwork in incredibly challenging conditions. Our lifeguards quickly recognised the seriousness of the situation and worked closely with HM Coastguard, the helicopter crew and our RNLI lifeboat colleagues to help bring both casualties to safety.

‘I am incredibly proud of the professionalism shown by the lifeguard team throughout the incident. Everyone remained focused on the task in hand, communicated effectively and adapted to changing circumstances as the response developed.

‘The successful outcome highlights the value of multi-agency working and the dedication of everyone involved.’

Looe RNLI’s volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, and helm, Clive Palfrey, praised his lifeboat and shore crew members, who responded to the launch pagers in significant numbers:

‘This shout was a great example of RNLI lifeboat crews from flank stations working together with RNLI lifeguards and other agencies to achieve a successful outcome for the casualties.

Clive goes on to say:

'I was Helm on the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, heading across the bay towards Sharrow crews on both lifeboats encountered deteriorating weather conditions with heavy seas in the gusting north westerly winds. Arriving on scene we immediately realised the conditions in the cove off Sharrow beach would make a rescue by lifeboat impossible. The D Class was stood down to return to station and crews on both inshore lifeboats were grateful for the escort back to Looe from our flank station colleagues at Plymouth.

‘We're proud to have played our part in what was a fantastic team effort in extremely difficult circumstances.’

The RNLI reminds the public that Storm Austen brought dangerous sea conditions across the South West coast, with large waves, strong winds and powerful currents creating hazardous conditions around exposed beaches and coastal areas. If visiting the coast during periods of severe weather, people are urged to stay well back from cliff edges, seafronts and exposed rocks, and to avoid entering the water.