Lizard RNLI Launches to Kayaker in Difficulty

Thursday 21 March 2024

Our pagers sounded at 08.45am on Thursday 21st March following a launch on service request made by Falmouth Coastguard.

Two kayakers have got in to difficulty whilst kayaking near The Devils Frying Pan, a short distance from the lifeboat station at Kilcobben Cove. RNLB Rose promptly launched under the command of Second Coxswain Darren Thirlaway at 08.57am and arrived on scene at 09.01am.

Upon the lifeboats arrival one of the two kayakers was able to inform the crew that her companion had fallen from his craft and was being taken in to the nearby Dollar Ogo cave. The casualty was seen to be holding on to rocks inside the cave with a strong sea swell knocking him around quite ferociously.

The smaller Y-boat was quickly deployed from RNLB Rose with two crew members on board and an attempt was made to enter the cave to retrieve the stricken kayaker. However the cave proved to be inaccessible for the Y-boat and it wasn’t able to get close enough to the casualty. The decision was made for a crew member to enter the water and swim to the casualty who then assisted him in to the awaiting Y-boat and then on to RNLB Rose, where medical assistance was administered.

After escorting the able kayaker back to nearby Cadgwith Cove, RNLB Rose returned to the station at 10.10am. A South West Ambulance crew arrived shortly after and the casualty was handed over in to their care. RNLB Rose was made ready for service again when required by 10.30am.

Unfortunately the casualty's kayak could not be recovered as it had been pushed by the tide deep inside the cave which was not accessible. HM Coastguards have been informed with a description and the location of the kayak in case it
re-emerges and generates further calls.

Also in attendance this morning were HM Coastguard Rescue Teams and fishing vessel “Kingfisher II” who had been at sea during the rescue and stood by. An excellent response from all at The Lizard RNLI Lifeboat Station this morning, thank you to all who attended.

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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Lizard RNLI Launches to Kayaker in Difficulty

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