16 November 2008
Newquay 029 2008
Newquay RNLI rescues fishing vessel
Newquay RNLI Atlantic 85, Gladys Mildred,
lifeboat launched at 08:00 hrs on Sunday 16th November 2008 to assist a
broken down fishing vessel.
The 30 ft fishing vessel had lost his engines
whilst in the Gazzle, just off Towan headland. Unable to drop anchor he
requested the assistance of the lifeboat.
The Atlantic 85 lifeboat helmed by Kevin Gee
too the vessel in tow and returned her safely to her moorings in the
harbour.
Crew: Kevin Gee (helm), Christian Brown, Joe
Emmett, Duncan Wallace.
26 October 2008
Newquay 027 2008
Newquay RNLI launches to family
stranded in the Gannel.
At 15:30 hrs on Sunday 26th October 2008
Newquay RNLI volunteers received a call for help from four people cut off by
the tide in the river Gannel estuary.
The group were stranded at the limits of the
lifeboat’s reach, on the estuary nearly opposite the boating lake.
Newquay’s inshore lifeboats Gladys Mildred
and Valerie Wilson launched with Kevin Gee and Joe Emmett at the helms. The
Atlantic 85 lifeboat arrived on scene shortly before the D class lifeboat.
Despite the river being in full flood tide
the Atlantic lifeboat was unable to get in close enough to take the
casualties onboard. Volunteer helmsman Kevin put volunteer crew Christian
Brown and Rob Green ashore to reassure the five casualties. When Joe and his
crew arrived in the D class the smaller draught allowed the boat to scoot in
closer and pick the casualties up. Joe and his crew helped Christian Brown &
Rob Green carry the stranded five to the D class lifeboat. They were then
transferred to the waiting Atlantic 85 lifeboat.
The Atlantic 85 crew took them down stream to
opposite Fern Pit where they were transferred ashore on to Crantock beach by
the D class lifeboat. They were then able to make their way across the beach
back to their car.
People should always check tide times and
seek local knowledge to check their planned walk is safe. This family had
done exactly that; they had asked and been reassured by an elderly woman
that their route was passable.
The family of five were on holiday from
Bristol. The children were 11, 9 and 5 years old.
Atlantic 85 Crew: Kevin Gee (helm), Christian
Brown, Rob Green, Ross King
D class Crew: Joe Emmett (helm),Michael Martin, Aaron Trebilcock
24 October 2008
Newquay 026 2008
Three trapped by tide on Towan Island.
Newquay RNLI volunteers were tasked on Friday
24th October 2008 at 14:20 hrs BST to assist three people cut off
by the tide on Towan Island, just outside the harbour.
.JPG)
Falmouth coastguards received a 999 call from
a member of the public reporting three children trapped by the incoming tide
on Towan Island. The children, all about 9/10 years old were on the rock
above what was the island’s swimming pool. There was a heavy ground sea
running under the bridge, around the island making their return path through
chest high water unadvisable.
A couple on holiday had spotted the children
were cut off. Concerned that it would be a couple of hours before the tide
receded, they dialed 999.
Newquay’s D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson
launched with Joe Emmett, Ian Jepson and Daniel Gilbert aboard.
Meanwhile another family of holiday makers
had also spotted the children’s plight. George Farrant had been enjoying the
sea and was still in his wetsuit. He immediately leapt into action, wading
through the ground sea to reach the children. He successfully bought one
child back ashore through the channeling surf.
George’s father, Lance, stripped to his
underwear and followed his son to assist the children. On reaching the
island he decided that the heavy ground sea combined with the cold made it
inadvisable to return to shore with one of the children. He sensibly
remained on the island ensuring the remaining casualties were safe and
reassured.
.JPG) As
Lance returned to the island local surfer Dave Sinclair bought one of the
casualties ashore on his surf board. George remained on the island with his
father and the remaining child.
Arriving on scene the lifeboat crew
discovered three people on the island, one original casualty and the two
heroic rescuers. Volunteer crewman Ian stayed with the lifeboat whilst Joe
and Daniel waded to the stranded trio to assess the situation. Unable to
motor the lifeboat in the crew raised the propeller and dragged the lifeboat
to the Island. The casualties were then transferred back to the safety of
the beach.
Pictures c Esther O'Brien
D class crew: Joe Emmett, Ian Jepson and
Daniel Gilbert
16 October 2008
Newquay 025 2008
What’s on at Watergate?
For the second time in 48 hours Newquay
RNLI’s volunteer crews headed to Watergate beach following a 999 call.
At 17:10 hrs on Thursday 16th October 2008
Falmouth coastguards requested the assistance of Newquay’s lifeboats
following a 999 call from a member of the public. Two holiday makers were
cut off by the tide in Watergate beach.
The D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson,
launched with Kevin Gee at the helm, swiftly followed by Ross King at the
helm of Gladys Mildred, Newquay’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat.
Arriving on scene the crews discovered two
people trapped by the incoming tide, about 100m north of the café. They had
climbed about 20 ft up the cliff to escape the incoming tide. Volunteer crew
Tim Stokes and Aaron Trebilcock were put ashore from the D class lifeboat.
Initially the casualties were happy to sit
and wait until the tide receded. Tim and Aaron were quick to point out that
it was nearly two hours to high tide and they were probably looking at a
four hour wait before they would be able to escape – in the dark.
The couple reluctantly accepted the
assistance of the crew. Having given them lifejackets, Aaron, ever the
gentleman, carried the female through the surf back to the lifeboat, the man
was able to wade back himself. They were then taken back to the main beach
at Watergate bay.
14 October 2008
Newquay 024 2008
Escapuntologist launches
lifeboat
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launched at 17:0
hrs on Tuesday 14th October 2008 following reports of an empty boat off
Watergate beach
Falmouth coastguards had received a 999 call
informing them that a 10 ft wooden boat was adrift at the back of the surf
off Watergate beach. Concerned that the punt may have been occupied,
Falmouth coastguards requested the lifeboats launch as assess the situation.
Newquay’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys
Mildred, launched with Kevin Gee at the helm, followed by the D class
lifeboat, Valerie Wilson, with Ross King at the helm. Arriving on scene the
crew quickly established that the punt was adrift from Newquay harbour and
its owner was accounted for.
The lifeboats returned to station with the
punt in tow.
Atlantic crew: Kevin Gee (helm), Rob Green,
Tim Stokes, Aaron Trebilcock
D Class crew: Ross King (helm), Dan Gilbert, Kevin Walsh
12 October 2008
Newquay 023 2008
Newquay RNLI lifeboat launches to
assist Crantock surfers
Newquay RNLI lifeboat crew launched at
13:40 on Sunday 12th October 2008 to assist surfers in difficulties off
Crantock beach.
A member of the public had called the
coastguards reporting they had seen a surfer in difficulties off Crantock
beach, caught in a rip at the north end. They had also seen two nearby
surfers responding, attempting to rescue the casualty.
Newquay RNLI volunteers launched the Atlantic
85 lifeboat, Gladys Mildred, with Christian Brown at the helm.
As the lifeboats arrived on scene they
received confirmation that one surfer was safely ashore. As they commenced
searching they were informed that all three were safely ashore; the
volunteers were stood down.
Crew: Christian Brown (helm), Aaron
Trebilcock, Ian Pengelly, Tim Stokes
04 October 2008
Newquay 022 2008
Saturday sail ends in rescue.
Newquay’s RNLI volunteer crews leapt into
action on at 14:50 hrs on Saturday 4th October 2008 to assist a 12 ft dinghy
in difficulties in Newquay bay.
Falmouth coastguards received a 999 call from
a member of the public reporting a capsized dinghy just behind the surf line
off Tolcarne beach. The 12 ft Miracle dinghy, Morvoren, had capsized and
both of its occupants were in the water trying to right the vessel. They
were also struggling to keep it out of the surf.
Four surfers had spotted the plight of the
grandfather and grandson and were standing whilst they waited for the
lifeboats to arrive, ready to assist the pair should the situation
deteriorate further.
Newquay’s RNLI D class lifeboat, Valerie
Wilson launched with Kevin Walsh at the helm swiftly followed by the
Atlantic 85 lifeboat Gladys Mildred helmed by Christian Brown.
.JPG)
Arriving on scene the volunteer crew found
the dinghy completely inverted mast down and its two crew in the water. Both
of the casualties were taken aboard the Atlantic 85 lifeboat whilst Kevin
and his crew attempted to right the dinghy.
Unable to right the boat, the D class
lifeboat took the dinghy in tow back more sheltered water outside the
harbour. There further attempts to right the dinghy were successful and the
boat was towed back to the harbour. The casualties were taken safely ashore.
Atlantic Crew: Christian Brown (helm), Aaron
Trebilcock, Michael Martin, Andrew Trebilcock
D class Crew: Kevin Walsh (helm), Matt Robins, Duncan Wallace
01 October 2008
Newquay 021 2008
Lone surfer causes concern.
Newquay RNLI’s volunteer crews abandoned
their monthly crew meeting on Tuesday 30 September 2008 to search for a body
boarder thought to be in difficulties off Great Western beach
One of the crew member’s mother’s had been
watching a lone body boarder through her telescope for a while. The sea was
rough and there was little daylight left. She had seen him appearing to be
in difficulties then abort an attempt to get back to shore on Great Western.
Shortly after that she lost sight of him. Concerned that he may be in
difficulties and aware of the failing light she immediately called the
lifeboat operations manager, Gareth Horner.
With force 5 winds, heavy surf and failing
light Gareth immediately abandoned the crew meeting and launched the
lifeboats at 19:30 hrs.
With sufficient crew already at the station
the lifeboats were quickly in the water, Mark Morris helming the Atlantic 85
lifeboat, Gladys Mildred and Christian Brown at the helm of the Valerie
Wilson. On board with Christian was new crew member Duncan Wallace on his
very first shout.
Gareth alerted Falmouth coastguards to the
surfer’s plight and Newquay coastguard cliff rescue team were tasked. The
lifeboats and coastguards searched the coast and surf line from Newquay
harbour to Mawgan Porth beach. With no sign of the surfer the lifeboats
commenced searching off shore; R193 from Culdrose was also tasked.
At approximately 20:20 hrs a holiday maker
who had been fishing off the end of South quay approached the RNLI shore
crew and asked what was going on. He immediately recognised that the surfer
he had seen coming back into the harbour at about 20:00 hrs could be the
casualty. The description partly matched but was not sufficient to stand
down the search.
The lifeboat volunteers, coastguards and R193
continued to make a thorough search of the bay.
At about 21:00 hrs another member of the
public approached the shore crew at the RNLI lifeboat station. He had been
in the harbour taking photos and as he left the harbour he spotted a surfer
with a small surf board walking back up the hill from North quay. He had
also noticed that there was only one surfer in the bay whilst he had been
taking his photos He and his wife had returned to their hotel and spotted
the search in progress. They returned to the harbour in case their
information could help.
At approximately 21:30 hrs, after a thorough
search and two possible confirmations that the surfer may have made his way
back to the harbour the volunteers were stood down.
Surfers should always consider surfing with a
buddy. If you are surfing alone and become aware that an emergency services
search is taking place please let Falmouth Coastguards know you are safe and
well - it could be you they are looking for. You may not have been in
difficulties but some one may have thought you were and dialed 999. Falmouth
coastguards can be contacted on 01326 317575. A quick call to them may
resolve a full scale emergency services search.
Steve Instance RNLI Inspector for lifeguards
in the south west, says:
People should check their chosen beach is
suitable for their particular activity. When at the beach, they should look
out for safety signs and be aware of the weather, tides and other potential
hazards, such as rip currents, at all times.’
Surf conditions are usually at their best
during the winter months, when the regions coasts pick up swells generated
from storms out to sea. Steve offers specific advice to help surfers enjoy
the water in safety this winter, he says;
‘You should not try to surf in conditions
beyond your ability and experience, this is dangerous. Always try and surf
with a friend, and let someone on shore know where you will be and what time
you expect to be back. If you do find yourself in trouble never abandon your
board, it will help to keep you afloat, signal for help by waving your arm
and shouting for help, if you see someone in trouble dial 999/112 and ask
for the Coastguard’
This was the first shout for new volunteer
Duncan Wallace.
Atlantic crew: Mark Morris (helm), Michael
Martin, Aaron Trebilcock, Bryan Adamson
D class crew: Christian Brown (helm), Rob Green, Duncan Wallace
Tuesday 23rd September
Newquay
019 2008
Crantock’s dark cries for help
At 20:20 hrs on Tuesday 23rd September
2008 Newquay RNLI volunteer crew’s pagers launched them into action to
search for a surfer in distress.
Falmouth coastguards had received a 999 call
from a member of the public on Crantock beach who had heard cries for help
from the water. They were unable to see anyone in distress as it was dark;
however they had spotted a 7ft surf board unattended in the shoreline surf
on the beach.
Newquay’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys
Mildred, launched with Ian Jepson at the helm swiftly followed by the D
class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson with Joe Emmett at the helm.
As the boats arrived on scene the coastguards
were receiving unconfirmed reports that the surfer in question had made his
way ashore and was safe and well.
The volunteers continued to search until
20:40 hrs when Falmouth coastguards confirmed that the surfer was ashore
safe and well. The crews stood down and returned to station.
This was the first should for probationary
crew member Aaron Trebilcock.
Atlantic crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Andrew
Trebilcock, Aaron Trebilcock, Michael Martin
D class crew: Joe Emmett (helm), Dan Gilbert,
Christian Brown
16 September 2008
Muster and stand down
Newquay RNLI lifeboat volunteer crew were
paged at 19:40 hrs to assist with an incident. Shortly after arriving at the
station the volunteers were stood down.
13 September 2008
Newquay 018 2008
999 call to surfer in difficulties
Newquay RNLI volunteers responded to a 999
call to assist a surfer at 09:30 hrs on Saturday 13th September 2008.
A member of the public had spotted what
appeared to be a surfer in difficulties off Boobies bay and called Falmouth
coastguards to ask for assistance. Newquay’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys
Mildred and D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson, were swiftly tasked.
Arriving on scene the lifeboats were unable
to find any surfer in difficulties. An extensive search of the area revealed
nothing and the lifeboats returned to station.
A false alarm with good intend. People should
always dial 999 in the believe someone needs assistance.
Atlantic 85 crew: Simon (helm), Christian
Brown, Ashley Mann , Michael Martin
D Class crew: Ross King (helm), Rob Green
11th September 2008
Newquay 017 2008
Incoming tide catches pair out
Two beach goers were caught unawares by
the incoming tide on Thursday 11th September 2008. The pair had been between
Whipsiderry and Watergate beach when they realised they were trapped by the
incoming tide.
The pair had been walking and rock scrambling
off Watergate beach, towards Whipsiderry. Luckily one of their friends had
become concerned that they had not returned and reported them overdue to the
RNLI lifeguards.
Two lifeguards went to search the area on
their water rescue craft (jet ski) and Falmouth coastguards tasked Newquay
RNLI lifeboats and the coastguard cliff rescue team.
The lifeguards quickly located the stricken
pair trapped on rocks but were unable to get the RWC in to rescue them. With
the tide still rising, one of the lifeguards took the decision to swim
through the heavy surf and rocks to the men. The RNLI lifeguard, Kerk
Latham, then helped them make there way to a safer position higher up the
rocks.
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats were quickly on
scene but they too were unable to take either lifeboat into the casualties.
The heavy surf and rocks made conditions too dangerous. Given that the
lifeguard and casualties were temporarily in a safe position, the lifeboats
stood by behind the surf line. A helicopter from RNAS Culdrose was tasked to
winch the three trapped men to safety.
As the casualties and lifeguard were being
winched to safety, a dog was spotted trapped on the cliff. The helicopter
winch man returned and also rescued the dog. The border collie was taken to
a local vets where it was subsequently discovered that the lucky canine had
bee reported missing seven days earlier.
Volunteer crew member Rob Green said the
conditions in the cove were exceptionally dangerous:
“The surf was horrendous, getting the D class
lifeboat in would have been OK; it would have been coming out that would
have been difficult, especially with casualties aboard. There was a clear
run to a small area of beach but this was right next to a rock fall, we had
no idea what was beneath the surf and could easily have damaged the
lifeboat. Had the casualties been in immediate danger we would have gone
in.”
Members of the public should always be aware
of the tide times when exploring beaches and hidden coves. However, no doubt
the collie and owner are very happy that the two chaps didn’t know the tides
and got stuck!
D Class crew: Simon Bennetts (helm), Richard
Martin, Rob Green
Atlantic 85 crew: Kevin Gee (helm), Tim Stokes, Andrew Trebilcock, Dan
Gilbert.
31 August 2008
Newquay 016 2008
Sunday morning paddle sparks search
Two surfers got more than they bargained
for when they went for an early morning paddle on Sunday 31st August 2008
Shortly after 9 am Falmouth Coastguards
received a 999 call from a member of the public who had spotted two surfers
stuck on Goose rock just off Pentire headland. Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats were
tasked and the volunteer crew leapt into action.
The surfers had decided that it was a perfect
morning for a board paddle and had decided to sit on Goose rock for a while.
The member of the public mistook them to be in difficulties and summoned
help.
Arriving on scene the lifeboat crew made sure
that the two on the rocks were indeed the suspected casualties and then
returned to station. A false alarm with good intent.
Members of the public should always dial 999
if they suspect someone is in difficulties. Better a false alarm than a
tragedy.
Atlantic Crew: Mark Morris (helm), Michael
Martin, Tim Stokes.
D Class crew: Kevin Walsh (helm), Brian Adamson, Matt Robins
26 August 2008
Newquay 015 2008
Late night search
Newquay’s volunteer crew were back in the
lifeboats for a second time in less than four hours. Just after midnight on
Tuesday 26th August 2008 the crew were paged to search for a missing male.
Falmouth coastguards had received a 999 call
from some friends who were concerned for the well being of their 44 year old
friend. They had been out for the evening and did not know his whereabouts.
Concerned that he may have been heading for the headland they dialled 999
and requested the help of the emergency services.
The volunteer crew left their beds and
mustered at the station. The \Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys Mildred, launched
with Ian Jepson at the helm, swiftly followed by the D class lifeboat,
Valerie Wilson in the capable hand of Ross King.
The crews were asked to carry out a shoreline
search from the harbour around to Fistral beach. Using illuminating flares,
searchlights and night-vision glasses, nothing was found. At 00:45hrs the
crew received a report that the man had been found safe and well at home and
the lifeboats were stood down.
Atlantic crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Michael
Martin, Bryan Adamson, Ashley Mann.
D Class crew: Ross King (helm), Andrew Trebilcock, Tim Stokes.
25 August 2008
Newquay 014 2008
Lucky escape for family’s evening
frolic
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launched at 19:50
hrs on Monday 25th August 2008 following reports of a family in distress off
Crantock beach.
The bank holiday evening drew to an abrupt
end for Newquay’s RNLI volunteers. A family had been caught out by rip
currents on Crantock beach and needed help.
Falmouth Coastguards received a 999 call
reporting and adult and two children in difficulties in an inflatable
drifting off Crantock beach. There was a possibility that others had been
involved but were thought to have made their way ashore.
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats, Gladys Mildred and
Valerie Wilson launched with Ross King and Ashley Mann at the helms.
Arriving on scene, they immediately found an empty 1.5m inflatable and
abandoned boogie board at the north end of Crantock beach.
The volunteer crew swiftly spotted members of
the public waving and indicating they should attend the south end of the
beach. There they found an adult male and two boys (10 yrs & 12 yrs) who had
been picked up by two surfers. The surfers were unable to make their way
back to shore through the heavy surf with the casualties.
Ross at the helm of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat,
Gladys Mildred, quickly collected the father and two sons. Ashley and his
crew offered the heroic surfers a tow back to the beach, one accepted, one
declined. However, within minutes the second surfer realised how exhausted
he was having spent his energy rescuing the family that he also accepted “a
lift back to the beach”.
The casualties were then transferred to the
Valerie Wilson and taken back to the safety of the beach. Assured that there
was no one else in difficulties in the sea the RNLI lifeboats returned to
station.
Always aim to swim on a lifeguarded beach, if
you do choose to swim on unpatrolled beaches make use of the information
signs that advise you of the local dangers and act accordingly. Enjoy the
sea but swim safely.
If you do get into difficulties and you have
a flotation device (boogie board, surf board, inflatable etc) think before
abandoning it; if you have been spotted from shore (lifeguard or member of
the public) it is probably better to stay with it.
Crantock beach is patrolled by RNLI
lifeguards from May to September between 10:00 hrs and 18:00 hrs. During
these hours, to avoid the strong tidal conditions, the patrolled safe
bathing area is towards the north end of the beach; avoiding the tidal
stream area.
Atlantic Crew: Ross King (helm), Michael
Martin, Ian Jepson, Brian Adamson
D Class Crew: Ashley Mann (helm), Daniel Gilbert, Andrew Trebilcock
22 August 2008
Newquay 012 2008
Pregnant pause to daily routine
Newquay RNLI’s volunteer crew paused their
daily routines to rescue a sea sick lady.
Newquay’s RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys
Mildred, self launched at 10:45 hrs on Friday 22nd August 2008 to assist a
pregnant lady who was suffering from sea sickness.
The lady was on a day fishing trip when she
fell ill. The skipper of the fishing boat contacted the LOM directly asking
if the lifeboat would be able to assist, they were 3 miles NW of Newquay
Simon Bennetts and his crew took the lady
aboard the lifeboat and bought her back to shore.
Atlantic Crew: Simon Bennetts (helm), Matt
Robins, Joe Emmett
11 August 2008
Gold and bronze at Beijing, cold and
wet in Newquay
The UK’s swimming triumphs at the Olympics
were reflected with opposites in Newquay. Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats were
launched twice today, Monday 11th August 2008, to swimmers in difficulties.
The volunteer crew were first tasked at 12:20
hrs to help what appeared to be a climber half way up a cliff. Falmouth
coastguards received a 999 call from a member of the public stating they had
seen a climber on the cliff side in difficulties. Already on the way to
carry out a routine exercise, the crew quickly launched with Kevin Gee at
the helm of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys Mildred.
With Newquay Coastguard Cliff rescue team
also on scene the lifeboat stood by whilst the exhausted swimmer was taken
to the cliff top. He had got into difficulties and realised that making his
way back to the shore was not an option. He managed to scramble onto the
rocks and then tried to climb the cliff to safety – and got stuck. Luckily a
member of the public spotted him and the emergency services leapt into
action.
The second call for help came at just after
18:30 hrs. Two swimmers had been swimming off Porth beach when they became
caught in the river rip, Two then became five as three friends leapt in to
help.
The emergency services were tasked. Newquay
coastguards assisted two people who were chest deep in water in the river
making their way ashore. The remaining three were swept out to sea. On
realising they were in major difficulties they made for the rocks of Porth
Island. Stranded on the rocks they realised they were trapped – rip or
rocks.
Newquay RNLI’s lifeboats launched; Kevin Gee
at the helm of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys Mildred and Ian Jepson
helming the D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson.
With heavy surf at the scene, Kevin stood off
in the Atlantic 85 whilst Ian took the D class in to recover the casualties.
Volunteer crew member Andrew Trebilcock was put ashore amid heavy surf to
aid the casualties. Ian picked up the casualties one by one and transferred
them to the safety of the beach.
This was a difficult rescue in difficult
conditions. Ian and his crew handled the situation with great skill and
expertise.
Dave Bulley, Station Officer, Newquay
Coastguards compliments Ian’s handling of the lifeboat:
“The crew did a cracking job in difficult
conditions. At one point they had to put the bow of the boat on the rocks to
retrieve the final casualty. The lifeboat was handled well, good job done”
Always aim to swim on a lifeguarded beach, if
you do choose to swim on unpatrolled beaches make use of the information
signs that advise you of the local dangers and act accordingly. Enjoy the
sea but swim safely.
#1 - D Class Crew: Kevin Gee (helm),
Christian Brown, Daniel Gilbert
#2 - Atlantic Crew: Kevin Gee (helm),
Christian Brown, Joe Emmett, Nick Marr
#2 - D Class Crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Michael Martin, Andrew Trebilcock
10 August 2008
Lifeboat day rescue
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.
Crew: Ian Pengelly (helm), Garry Griffiths,
Sean Taylor
Saturday 2nd August 2008
Bedruthan bather’s in difficulties
Newquay’s RNLI volunteer crew were tasked
at 13:30 hrs on Saturday 2nd August 2008 following reports of two surfers in
difficulties off Bedruthan Steps.
Falmouth Coastguards received a 999 call from
a member of the public reporting two surfers in difficulties off Bedruthan
Steps. Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats were requested to launch. St Merryn
Coastguard team and R193 from Culdrose were also tasked.
The Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys Mildred, was
launched with volunteer crew member Simon Bennetts at the helm. As the lifeboat
launched, Falmouth coastguards informed the Lifeboat Operations Manager,
Gareth Horner, that a third person was also in difficulties having entered
the water in an attempt to assist the surfers.
As the lifeboat approached the scene St
Merryn Coastguards reported that RNLI lifeguards from Mawgan Porth beach has
managed to rescue the surfers but they were unsure if the lifeguards had
also rescued the swimmer.
Simon approached the lifeguards and confirmed
that all three casualties had been rescued and all rescue teams were stood
down.
Members of the public are always advised to
swim at a lifeguard patrolled beach. Inexperienced surfers should also
consider the merits of using a patrolled beach. The RNLI has 110 lifeguard
units at beaches in the east, south, south west England and south Wales.
Many more beaches are patrolled by council run lifeguard patrols.
Atlantic Crew: Simon Bennetts (helm), Kevin
Gee, Richard Martin, Andrew Trebilcock
Friday 25th July 2008
Second shout of the evening
The last week in July is proving to be
particularly busy for the Newquay RNLI volunteers. The volunteers were
tasked for the second time of the evening at 22:50 hrs on Friday 25th July
following reports of someone in the water off Towan Beach.
Falmouth coastguards received a 999 call from
a member of the public who thought there was someone in the sea near Towan
Beach.
The Newquay RNLI D class lifeboat, Valerie
Wilson, launched with volunteer crew member Nick Marr at the helm swiftly
followed by the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys Mildred, with Ross King at the
helm. Shortly after the lifeboats launched Falmouth coastguards informed the
lifeboats that the casualty was in a cove between Towan beach and the
Harbour and had suffered serous injuries.
A paramedic and doctor were already with the
casualty having waded through the water to reach him. Arriving on scene the
D class diverted to Towan beach to collect a spinal board. The Atlantic
lifeboat assessed the situation and Ross decided to return to the harbour to
collect additional illumination.
As the Atlantic lifeboat returned to the
scene, volunteer crew member Joe Emmett transferred to the D class to
provide expert knowledge of the cove and its hidden dangers. The D class
lifeboat raised its engine and the crew paddled the lifeboat into the cove.
The Atlantic lifeboat stood off and illuminated the scene.
The casualty was transferred into the D class
lifeboat. Police and ambulance staff waded into the water to assist with
refloating the lifeboat. Nick helmed the lifeboat to a safe distance off
shore where a helicopter winch man from RNAS Culdrose R193 was winched onto
the lifeboat. The casualty was then lifted off the lifeboat and transferred
the injured holiday maker to the Royal Cornwall Hospital.
The D class lifeboat dropped the paramedic
back ashore and both lifeboats returned to station.
Atlantic Crew: Ross King (helm), Joe Emmett,
Kevin Walsh
D Class Crew : Nick Marr (helm), Jonathan Sharp, Michael Martin
Friday 25th July 2008
Speed boat spots casualty
Newquay RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were
tasked at 20:30 hrs on Friday 25th July 2008 following reports of persons
cut off at Great Western beach.
Following an unusually quiet beginning to
the month Newquay‘s volunteer life savers were tasked for the fourth time
this week (and month) to assist a woman cut off by the tide in the vicinity
of Great Western Beach.
The casualty had dialled 999 herself and
reported that she was cut off by the tide but was unsure of her exact
location. She remembered having walked underneath a bridge. Suspecting that
casualty was referring to Porth Island bridge, the coastguards tasked the
lifeboats requesting they search Porth Island and Whipsiderry beach.
The D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson,
launched with Joe Emmett at the helm. As they approached Porth Island they
were chased by a speed boat. The speed boat had spotted someone cut off by
the tide in Lamorna cove. The description of the person they had seen
matched that of the casualty so Joe immediately diverted back to Lamorna
Cove.
The lifeboat crew picked up the casualty and
transferred her back to the safety of the harbour. She was safe and well.
Crew: Joe Emmett (helm), Mark Morris, Michael
Martin
Monday 22nd July 2008
Fistral where?
Newquay’s RNLI volunteers were mustered to
launch the lifeboat at 22:50 hrs on Monday 22nd July 2008 to assist with
searching for a man over a cliff.
Falmouth coastguards received a 999 call from
the casualty himself reporting he had fallen over the cliff near the Fistral
bay Hotel. Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats, Newquay Coastguard cliff rescue team
and paramedics were also summoned.
The exact location of the casualty was a bit
of a mystery as there is no Fistral Bay Hotel in Newquay.
Newquay’s D Class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson,
launched with Christian Brown at the helm. A couple of minutes later the
Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys Mildred, was on the beach with Ian Jepson at
the helm. Just as the lifeboat was about to enter the water, Falmouth
coastguards stood both boats down. The casualty had been found on Towan
Headland in the vicinity of Fistral Blu.
The casualty was transferred to the Royal
Cornwall Hospital where he received urgent medical attention.
D Class crew: Christian Brown (helm), Nick
Marr, Simon Bennetts
Atlantic Crew : Ian Jepson (helm), Daniel Gilbert, Michael Martin.
21 July 2008
Double dash for Newquay volunteers
Newquay RNLI lifeboat crew were tasked for
the second time in an hour on Monday 21st July 2008 following report of a
dog on a mission swimming out to sea.
The second call of the hour came following a
999 call by a concerned owner on Porth Island. His golden retriever was
swimming out to sea, not responding to his frantic calls. After 30 minutes
and concerned for the dog’s safety he sensibly sought help from the
emergency services.
Both of Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launched but
were recalled within minutes, the dog had seen the light and realise his
best option was to turn around. He safely returned to shore and was reunited
with his worried owner.
The first summon for help of the evening came
at 19:15 hrs when a member of the public reported a tombstoner had entered
the water off the harbour south quay and had not been seen to return to
shore. Newquay’s RNLI volunteers were mustered from their families but stood
down as they arrived at the station. The tombstoner had been found safe and
well.
RoSPA figures show that on average over 100
people are admitted to hospital each year for treatment following
tombstoning incidents.
Steve Wills, RNLI’s Beach Safety Manager,
says:
Our advice applies to everyone – young, old, male and female – don’t do it.
Jumping from a height into water can kill. I urge people to think of the
consequences of their actions. Young adults and teenagers can be easily
impressionable – I’m concerned that young people may try to copy what they
see.’
D Class Crew: Simon Bennetts (helm), Michael
Martin, Dan Gilbert
Atlantic Crew: Nick Marr (helm), Christian Brown, Brian Adamson, Tim Stokes
Saturday 28th June 2008
Multi tasking – double dash for Newquay
RNLI.
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats were tasked
simultaneously to two shouts on Saturday 28th June 2008. Ironically both
incidents were on the same beach but unrelated.
Falmouth Coastguards requested the assistance
of Newquay’s lifeboat at 20:47 hrs on Saturday 28th June. They had received
two 999 calls reporting people in difficulties on Porth beach. Two people
were in the water caught in a rip and a lady with her dog was cut off by the
tide.
The lifeboats launched with Ian Jepson at the
helm of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys Mildred, and Joe Emmett at the helm
of the relief D class lifeboat, Mabel Davis. Priority was given to the
people caught in the rip.
Arriving on scene the volunteer crew quickly
established that the two people in difficulties in the water had managed to
make their way ashore. They swiftly diverted to the second casualty.
The local female had been walking her
greyhound when it fell down the cliff. She had subsequently climbed down
after the dog and discovered she was unable to make her way back up to
safety. Joe helmed the D class lifeboat through the surf, successfully
rescuing the lady and her dog and returning them to the safety of the beach.
With everyone safe and sound the lifeboats
returned to station.
Atlantic Crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Kevin Gee,
Christian Brown, Ross King
D Class Crew : Joe Emmett (helm), Mike Martin, Andrew Trebilcock
Saturday 14th June 2008
Tragic tumble.
Newquay RNLI lifeboat launched to
investigate the sighting of a body off Porth Island on Saturday 14th June at
14:40 hrs
 Cornwall
Air Ambulance had reported to Falmouth Coastguards that there was possibly
body off Porth Island. Newquay RNLI lifeboats were swiftly tasked and RNAS
Rescue 193 also responded.
Newquay’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Gladys Mildred
launched with Simon Bennetts at the helm. The lifeboat and R193 arrived on
scene at the same time to discover a casualty on the rocks above the water
line. A paramedic was already at the scene with the casualty.
R193 was then tasked to recover the body from
the rocks whilst Newquay’s lifeboat kept a safe area clear. R193 had
recovered the body and transferred them to the Royal Cornwall Hospital.
Following a request from the Police,
volunteer crew member, Kevin Walsh entered the water and swam ashore to
search the coastline for personal possessions of the deceased. Nothing was
found.
Newquay’s volunteer crew returned to station.
Atlantic Crew :Simon Bennetts (helm), Andrew
Trebilcock, Matt Robins, Kevin Walsh
Picture:
Terry Barnecutt
Friday, 06 June 2008
Found - safe and sound.
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launched to
search for a missing elderly gentleman at 21:10 hrs on Friday 6th June 2008.
An eighty four year old gentleman had been
missing for 24 hours. Following a suspicion that the local elderly gentleman
could be on coast line, Falmouth coastguards tasked Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats
to search the sea and shore line between Towan Head and Poly Joke.
Both lifeboats launched. Ross King helmed the
Atlantic 85, Gladys Mildred and commenced searching the coastline. Ian
Jepson took the helm of the D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson and searched
the Gannel estuary.
At 21:44 hrs both lifeboats were stood down.
The gentleman had been found safe on Pentire headland.
Atlantic Crew: Ross King (helm), Mark Morris,
Brian Adamson
D Class Crew: Ian Jepson (helm), Michael Martin , Kevin Walsh.
Thursday 22nd May 2008
Newquay RNLI lifeboat launch to
unconscious diver
Newquay RNLI Atlantic lifeboat was called
to an unconscious diver five miles north west of Newquay Harbour at around
3pm on Thursday 22nd May.
A party of four had chartered the dive-vessel
for the day and the casualty had gone along in addition, to make up
numbers. Shortly after entering the water the other discovered the casualty
lying unconcious with his regulator out of his mouth. They took him to the
surface and helped the skipper to recover him onto the dive-boat and radioed
the coastguard for assistance.
Newquay’s RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat and RNAS
Culdrose were called to the scene. RNAS Culdrose winched their own diver
aboard the dive vessel, and the RNLI lifeboat went alongside and put
volunteer crew-member Christian Brown, who is a paramedic aboard to assist.
They worked together to administer CPR until the casualty was airlifted by
helicopter to Treliske Hospital, Truro.
D Class Crew: Christian Brown (Helm), Tim
Stokes, Ross King
Monday 19th May 2008
Newquay RNLI lifeboat launch to
Whipsiderry beach
Newquay RNLI lifeboat was called to
evacuate a woman and her dog from Whipsiderry beach in Newquay.
 The
woman was walking her elderly St Bernard cross Mastiff along the top of the
cliff at Whipsiderry around 8.30pm, when it wandered down the long and steep
steps to the beach to follow another dog. However, due its age and
infirmity, it was unable to climb back up the steps, and the woman was
forced to call the coastguard for assistance.
Once on the scene, the coastguard decided the
dog would not make it up the cliff and they requested Newquay lifeboat to
assist in evacuating the dog and its owner by sea.
Newquay’s D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson
launched at 9pm, and with the assistance of the Newquay coastguard team,
both owner and dog were put aboard the lifeboat and taken around to Porth
beach where they were landed safe and well.
D Class Crew: Ian Jepson (Helm), Tim Stokes,
Andrew Trebilcock
Picture:
Terry Barnecutt
Sunday 11th May 2008
Sleepless night for Newquay RNLI
volunteers
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats received a
request to launch at 00:47 hrs on Sunday 11th May 2008 following reports of
a missing female.
Falmouth coastguards had received a 999 call
from a member of the public reporting a woman missing, possibly between
Beacon Cove and Bedruthan Steps. Concerned for the safety of the vulnerable
woman the emergency services were tasked.
Newquay’s lifeboats launched within 10
minutes of the pagers sounding. Ross King took the helm of the Atlantic 85
lifeboat, Gladys Mildred, and Ian Pengelly helmed the D class lifeboat,
Valerie Wilson.
Both lifeboats arrived on scene just before
01:10 hrs and commenced searching the area.
At 01:15 hrs the volunteer crew were stood
down, the female had been found safe and well at her home.
Arriving back at the station at 01:35 hrs,
the lifeboat crew and shore crew washed down the lifeboats and refuelled
them ready for the next shout.
The ten volunteers finally returned to their
sleeping families just after 2 am.
Newquay RNLI welcomes Jonathan Sharp. He is
currently living in the Newquay area whilst studying in Cornwall and an RNLI
volunteer crew member with the Lytham St Anne’s lifeboat. He is using this
as an opportunity to gain experience of a different station, boats and
coastal conditions.
Atlantic Crew: Ross King (helm), Michael
Martin, Christian Brown.
D Class Crew: Ian Pengelly (helm), Jonathan Sharp, Tim Stokes
Shore crew: Wayne Martin, Graham Mountford, Stuart Wray
Tuesday 6th May 2008
Sun, sea, sand and…an off shore wind.
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboat launched at 15:25
hrs on Tuesday 6th May 2008 following reports of a kayaker in difficulties
off Porth Island
Newquay‘s D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson,
launched following sightings of an inflatable kayak adrift and its occupant
in difficulties.
Arriving on scene volunteer helmsman Joe
Emmett and his crew spotted 3 people on rocks on Porth Island. The party had
been out for a paddle on a rigid kayak, an inflatable kayak and a boogie
board. They had managed to drag their rigid kayak and boogie board with
them. The lifeboat transferred the two males and one female back to the
safety of Porth beach.
Meanwhile, the escaped inflatable kayak aided
by the offshore wind was rapidly making its escape across the bay. Concerned
that someone may see the kayak and think it had an occupant in difficulties,
Joe & his crew gave chase. The kayak was recovered approximately ½ mile off
shore and had developed a puncture.
With all casualties safely ashore and no
escaped boats the lifeboat returned to station.
Crew: Joe Emmett (helm), Mark Morris, Brian
Adamson
Sunday 4th May 2008
Father and son get into trouble.
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launched at 10:30
hrs on Sunday 4th May 2008 following reports of two people missing on
Pentire Headland.
Falmouth coastguards had received a 999 call
from a member of the public. She had heard her son calling but was unable to
find him or her husband. They were missing on the Crantock side of Pentire
headland.
Newquay’s D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson,
was already afloat on exercise. With Mark Morris at the helm the lifeboat
swiftly diverted to Crantock. The Atlantic lifeboat, Gladys Mildred,
launched with Christian Brown at the helm. The two lifeboats searched from
the sea whilst the coastguard cliff rescue team searched from land.
At approximately 10:45 hrs, father and son
were found safe and well in the car park. Both lifeboats returned to
station.
This was newly qualified helmsman Christian
Brown’s first shout at the helm of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat.
D Class Crew: Mark Morris, Michael Martin,
Kevin Walsh.
Atlantic Crew : Christian Brown (helm), Sean Taylor, Brian Adamson
Thursday 3rd April 2008
Not the foggiest
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launched at 13:35
hrs on Thursday 3rd April 2008 following reports of two missing surfers.
Falmouth coastguards had received a 999 call
from a member of the public reporting two surfers missing in the fog
somewhere between Watergate beach and Porth beach.
The pair had been seen surfing in the area
but then were lost in the fog. Concerned that the pair were still In the
water, the member of the public raised the alarm.
Newquay’s lifeboats launched immediately.
Mark Morris took the helm of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys Mildred, and
Ross King helmed the D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson.
Searching between Watergate and Porth proved
a challenging task; fog limited visibility to less than 300m.
The two male teenagers were eventually found
by the coastguards, safe and well, ashore at the north end of Watergate bay.
Atlantic Crew: Mark Morris (helm), Rob Green,
Michael Martin, Sean Taylor
D Class Crew: Ross King (helm), Ashley Mann, Tim Stokes,
Monday, 31 March 2008
Ripping Surf
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launched at 13:30
hrs on Monday 31st March 2008 to assist a body boarder in difficulties off
North end of Mawgan Porth beach.
Falmouth coastguards had received a 999 call
form a member of the public indicating that there was a body boarder caught
in a rip at the north end of Mawgan Porth.
Newquay’s relief Atlantic 85 lifeboat,
Drayton Manor, launched with Kevin Gee at the helm, accompanied by Mark
Morris at the helm of the D class lifeboat Valerie Wilson. Newquay
Coastguard cliff rescue team were also tasked and a RAF helicopter responded
as they were in the area on a training exercise.
As the lifeboats arrived on scene there were
15ft waves breaking against the rocks at the base of the cliff. The casualty
managed get out of the rip and had made his way back to shore where Newquay
coastguards were on hand to help him out of the sea onto the rocks. He had
suffered cuts and bruises.
The Newquay RNLI lifeboats stood by until the
casualty and coastguards were confirmed to be in a safe location and then
returned to station.
Mawgan Porth is one of the Newquay beaches
patrolled by RNLI lifeguards through the summer. The RNLI lifeguard service
commences on 1st May on North Fistral and Towan. Crantock, South Fistral,
Tolcarne, Great Western, Porth, Watergate and Mawgan Porth commence on 17th
May. These beaches will be patrolled until 30th September 2008.
D Class Crew: Kevin Gee (helm), Joe Emmett,
Rob Green
Atlantic Crew : Mark Morris (helm), Mike Martin, Ross King
Sea Conditions: Part cloudy, Visibility:
good, Wind: NW5, Sea state: moderate, 2m swell
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Catamaran capsize.
Newquay’s
RNLI D Class lifeboat launched at 12:50 hrs on Sunday 30th March 2008
following reports of a catamaran in difficulties in Newquay Bay
.jpg) Falmouth coastguards had received two 999
calls from members of the public reporting that a catamaran had capsized and
appeared unable to right itself.
Volunteer crew at Newquay RNLI lifeboat
station had already spotted the catamaran, Mischief, in difficulties and had
been observing its progress for several minutes in the hopes that the single
handed sailor would be able to right the vessel on his own.
Once it became apparent that the sailor was
unlikely to be able to right the catamaran single handed, the D class
lifeboat, Valerie Wilson, launched with volunteer crew member Mark Morris at
the helm.
Arriving
on scene, Kevin Walsh took the helm of the D class whilst Mark Morris
entered the water and assisted the sailor to right the catamaran. When Mark
enquired what the problem was; the sailor said he had insufficient body
weight to right the catamaran.
.jpg) Concerned about the sailor’s ability to right
the catamaran should he capsize again, the lifeboat crew offered to escort
Mischief back to the harbour, the sailor declined stating he intended
continue with his Sunday sail. When asked Mark asked what he proposed to do
if he capsized again the casualty did not answer.
The lifeboat crew decided it would be prudent
to remain on scene for a while in case the casualty capsized again. After 20
minutes the lifeboat and her volunteer lifeboat crew returned to station.
Newquay’s RNLI volunteer crew would like to
reassure the public that if they are concerned that someone may be in
difficulties they should always call the coastguards.
Newquay RNLI has launched to assist Mischief
on numerous occasions over the last few years.
Crew: Mark Morris (helm), Kevin Walsh (helm),
Mike Martin.
Sea Conditions: Visibility: good, Wind:
Southerly 2, Sea state: calm, 1 m swell
Wednesday 26th March 2008
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats launch to couple cut
off by tide
Newquay’s RNLI lifeboats were requested to
launch this afternoon (26 March) to a lady and gentleman in their 20’s who
had been off by the tide at Bedruthan Steps.
Newquay’s relief Atlantic 85 lifeboat,
Drayton Manor, launched at 16:19 hrs with volunteer crewman Kevin Gee at
the helm, swiftly followed by the D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson,
helmed by Mark Morris.
The D class inshore lifeboat was first on the
scene and visually located the casualty. With a three-foot swell and an
unpleasant force four northwesterly wind, the volunteer crew decided the
preferred option would be to evacuate the casualties by land.
While the crew on the D class lifeboat went
in close to the shore to make contact and reassure the couple, St Merryn and
Newquay Coastguards worked together to winch a man down the cliff. However,
on reaching the bottom, he was unhappy that the casualties would have to be
winched across an overhang and requested they be evacuated by sea.
The crew of the D class lifeboat negotiated
the strong swell to get in close enough to pick up the casualties. They were
then transferred onto the waiting Atlantic 85 lifeboat and bought safety to
the boathouse at 17.40 where although wet, they were given a cup of hot tea
and were none the worse for their experience.
Gareth Horner, Newquay’s RNLI Lifeboat
Operations Manager said:
‘On realising they were in danger the lady
and gentleman did exactly as they should, by calling 999 and asking for the
coastguard. We were then able to get to them as quickly as possible.
The RNLI would advise anyone planning to take
a walk along the coast to note the time of high tide and the weather
forecast, both of which are available at the local harbour office or
lifeboat station. Walkers should also be aware of their changing
surroundings at all times.’
Atlantic 85 crew: Kevin Gee (helm), Matt
Robins, Simon Bennett and, Andrew Trebilcock
D Class crew: Mark Morris (helm), Ross King and Tim Stokes
Friday, 21 March 2008
Overland Launch.
Can we do it? Yes we can!
People could be mistaken for thinking that
Newquay RNLI’s GPS had malfunctioned on Friday 21st March 2008. Rest assured
that was not the case.
At 16:45 hrs on Good Friday, Newquay’s
Operations Manager, Gareth Horner, was contacted by Falmouth coastguard. A
person and their dog was cut off by the tide in the river Gannel.
The sea was running a NW 8 with heavy seas
off the harbour; conditions beyond the safe limits of both of Newquay RNLI’s
lifeboats. Gareth immediately suggested the D class lifeboat, Valerie
Wilson, launched over land. There were two possible launching points on the
Gannel accessible by road.
The crew were paged to launch, Ben Eglington,
Ross King and Andrew Trebilcock were the first to muster, unaware of the
unusual launch that faced them.
Launcher Stuart Wray took the driving seat of
the mule accompanied by head launcher Graham Mountford. Blue lights flashing
Stuart towed the lifeboat through Newquay’s streets to the launching site
off the slip way at Trethellan hill. Unlike the historic overland launch of
the Lynmouth lifeboat in 1899, Newquay’s mule had four wheels and an engine!
The female casualty and her dog were caught
unawares on the Crantock side of the Gannel, opposite the Saltings. Ben and
his crew swiftly rescued the casualty and brought her back safely to shore.
She was passed into the care of Newquay’s coastguard cliff rescue team at
the Saltings car park.
In a fashion usually reserved for carnivals,
the Valerie Wilson and her volunteer crew returned to station at a more
leisurely pace with volunteer shore crew member Laurence Pascoe following
behind in his van with the remaining shore crew.
Our RNLI lifeboats cannot launch with out
volunteer shore crew. They are the people behind the scenes. They are
important. They help save lives.
This was Ben Eglington’s first time at the
helm on a shout – well done Ben but you need to run faster, Ross keeps
beating you! Both Ben & Ross recently qualified as Atlantic & D class
lifeboat helmsmen.
Crew: Ben Eglington (helm), Ross King and
Andrew Trebilcock
Monday 18th February 2008
Doggy paddler rescued.
Newquay RNLI’s lifeboats were requested to
launch at 12:42 hrs on Monday 18th February 2008 following reports of three
people and a dog in difficulties in the water off Whipsiderry beach.
Falmouth Coastguards had received a 999 call
for a member of the public. Three people were in the water off Whipsiderry
beach. Their Jack Russell terrier had got into difficulties and they had
followed the dog in to the water in an attempt to rescue it.
Newquay’s D class lifeboat, Valerie Wilson,
launched first with volunteer crewman Mark Morris at the helm. This was
swiftly followed but the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Gladys Mildred, helmed by
newly qualified volunteer helmsman Ross King.
When the boats arrived on scene the three
people had managed to make their way back to shore and up the cliff to
waiting paramedics. The dog was still in the water swimming frantically in
circles. As the D class lifeboat rounded the corner, the dog spotted the
lifeboat and started to swim towards it. The lifeboat came as close to the
dog as was safe but was still a few metres away. Seeing that the dog was
barely able to keep above the water, volunteer crew member Christian Brown
entered the water and swam to the dog. He then swam back to the lifeboat
with the dog. he dog, Judy, was taken ashore where the
coastguards rushed it to a local vet for treatment. Judy was treated an
discharged later in the day.
This was Ross’ first shout as at the helm.
Congratulations to Ross King and Ben Eglington recently completed their
training to become helmsmen on both the Atlantic 85 and the D class
lifeboats.
Atlantic 85 crew: Ross King (helm), Nick
Marr, Brian Adamson
D
Class crew: Mark Morris (helm), Chris Brown, Tim Stokes
Saturday 19th January 2008
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Surfer sparks 999 call.
Newquay RNLI’s lifeboats were diverted to
Great Western beach at 10:56 hrs on Sunday 16th December following a report
of a surfer in difficulties off Great Western Beach.
Newquay’s lifeboats were exercising in
Newquay Bay when Falmouth Coastguard requested that they divert to Great
Western Beach to investigate reports of a surfer in difficulties. A member
of the public had seen a surfer in difficulties and dialled 999.
With Kevin Gee at the helm of the Atlantic
85, Gladys Mildred and Garry Griffiths at the helm of the D class lifeboat,
Valerie Wilson, the lifeboats were on scene within 2 minutes. The Gladys
Mildred stood by at the back of the surf whilst the Valerie Wilson went
closer to shore to investigate.
The volunteer crew discovered two surfers
ashore, both safe and well. One of the surfers had managed to get to shore
with his surf board following behind, it is thought that he had possibly
become separated from his surf board giving the members of the public cause
for concern.
A false alarm with good intent.
Gareth Horner, Newquay RNLI lifeboat
operations manager says:
“Anyone who believes they have seen someone
in difficulties should never hesitate to dial 999 and inform the coastguard. | 
