Fowey RNLI lifeboat launched to dinghy being blown offshore

The request for assistance was also answered by all-weather lifeboat 16-11 from Angle, South Wales, on passage from Poole back to Wales and travelling near the casualty vessel at the time of the incident.

Lifeboat 16-11 was first to arrive at the scene, where their volunteer lifeboat crew recovered the dinghy and rescued the father and daughter who were onboard. Fowey volunteer lifeboat crew then assisted in taking the dinghy and the two people back to safety in Mevagissey.

Fowey Lifeboat Operations Manager, Chris Ogg said: ‘With the Easter weekend approaching and more people heading to the coast we are advising people to respect the water and follow basic safety advice. Offshore winds and high tides can be particularly dangerous and we urge everyone to check the weather forecast and tide times before setting out. People should always tell someone else where they are going and when they expect to be back, and always carry a means of calling for help. If you do see anyone in danger on or near the water, call 999 and ask for the coastguard’.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 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.