Whilst most of us were snacking on Christmas leftovers on Boxing Day, RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked at 16.50 to a lone female on the rocks between Trebarwith Strand and Hole Beach.
RNLI/Faye Archell
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) shows the journey the lifeboat made
Port Isaac Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) Pride of Port Isaac (Goeth Porthusek) responded and arrived on scene in a strong force 4 with 2-3m seas. Along with Padstow RNLI, Polzeath Coastguard, Boscastle Coastguard and Coastguard rescue helicopter 924.
The casualty had been swimming and taking wildlife photos when they were cut off by the tide. Fortunately they were able to locate an area with a mobile phone signal and called 999 before the signal was lost again.
The scene was now completely dark so Port Isaac crew launched a star burst flare to illuminate the area. The casualty was located in a safe zone on the rocks so the decision was made to wait for the helicopter to winch her off due to lack of light and poor weather conditions.
Padstow and Port Isaac RNLI stood by in significant seas whilst the coastguard helicopter winched her up, assessed and landed her ashore with waiting coastguard.
The lifeboat and crew were escorted back to Port Isaac in the wake of the Padstow all weather boat and arrived back at the station for 18.20 where the boat was cleaned and readied for service.
Remember if you are heading out to the coast make sure someone is aware of your location and time of return.
Know the risks (rnli.org)
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.
