Newquay RNLI lifeboat crew took a break from their
lifeboat day demonstrations to rescue to lads in trouble in an inflatable.
The D class
lifeboat, Valerie Wilson, was already afloat in Newquay harbour when
Falmouth coastguards received a 999 call from a member of the public. Two
lads had been spotted in difficulties in a 6 ft inflatable dinghy near Dane
rock, just off Fly cellars.
Despite a
SW6 and 1m of swell, the intrepid duo had decided to paddle from Towan
beach, out around Towan headland to Fistral beach. They were persuaded to
abandon their epic trek and reluctantly accepted a ride back to the harbour.
Whilst the
crew were carrying out their rescue, the show went on. Crowds filled the
harbour and were treated to a splendid array of refreshments provided by the
Newquay fundraisers plus many stalls and stands providing information and
entertainment.
The lone
piper, Nigel Warmington greeted the lifeboats as they arrived at the start
of the day, piping them in from the end of the quay.
Members of
the public could be forgiven for thinking that the D class lifeboat,
Valerie Wilson, had suffered a spot of engine trouble. Koda, from the
Newfoundland dog rescue team demonstrated his skills by “rescuing” the
lifeboat. He towed the lifeboat across the harbour to the “safety” of the
beach. Did you know that Newfoundland dogs have webbed feet?
The
afternoon saw Newquay’s lifeboats, Valerie Wilson and Gladys Mildred, team
up with the Padstow lifeboat, Spirit of Padstow. The three RNLI lifeboats
accompanied by R193 rescue helicopter from Culdrose gave a spectacular
demonstration of search and rescue techniques.
As the
demonstration finished, so did the luck with the weather. The heavens opened
and many of the crowds disappeared home.
Not to be
deterred, Newquay Band sought shelter in the boathouse and continued to play
to the crowds. The weather also put a stop to the grand finale, the Royal
Artillery Parachute jump which had to be cancelled for safety reasons.
Lifeboat
day organiser, Christine Brown says:
“The whole day was a great success and we would like to thank every one who
supported us, people who gave up their time to help and those who attended
and gave money. We would also like to thank Newquay Lions who provided the
courtesy bus between the car park and the harbour. Next year’s lifeboat day
is on Sunday 30th August”
The final total raised
in expected to be in excess of £4,000. Whilst this amount is down on last
year, reflecting the increased costs of living, people are still putting
their hands in their pockets and supporting Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats. Every
penny helps to save lives at sea.
Timetable
Pre PR
