Lizard RNLI Rescues Dog from Rising Tide at Kynance Cove

The Lizard RNLI crew were launched on Monday evening after a family and their dog became trapped by the tide at Kynance Cove.

Emergency Call Out

The pagers sounded at 5.59pm following a request from Falmouth Coastguard. Under the command of Second Coxswain Darren Thirlaway and a crew of six, RNLB Rose launched at 6.09pm. Reports suggested that a dog and possibly its family were cut off by the swelling tide.

By 6.18pm the lifeboat had reached Kynance Cove. Mullion Coastguard Rescue Team and Porthoustock Coastguard Rescue Team were also on scene.

📷Credit: Geoff Squibb

Family Brought to Safety

The crew were informed that the family had already been rescued and brought to safety by Rudy and Chris from Kynance Cove Café. Using paddleboards, they managed to reach the family just before the lifeboat arrived.

The lifeboat crew were then directed to the dog, Otis, who had panicked and scrambled partway up the cliff of Asparagus Island in the cove.

📷Credit: Geoff Squibb

Challenging Rescue for Otis

With the tide becoming rougher, the RNLI deployed their smaller y-boat. Two crew members set off, with one jumping on to the rocks to reach the frightened dog. A line was secured, and with no other option available both the crew member and Otis entered the water to reach the y-boat.

Due to Otis’s size, lifting him into the small craft proved almost impossible. Instead, he was held against the side of the boat until they made their way back to RNLB Rose. Once on board, Otis was recovered safely and comforted during the return to station.

The lifeboat arrived back at 7.19pm. Crew kept Otis calm and warm until he was reunited with his owners. Because of the amount of water he had ingested, the dog was later taken for a precautionary check at the vets.

📷Credit: Geoff Squibb

Back on Service

By 8.40pm, RNLB Rose was rehoused and ready for service once more.

The RNLI crew said:
“Grateful thanks must be given to Rudy and Chris from Kynance Cove Café for their courageous intervention in rescuing the family prior to our arrival. Our message to all beach goers is to please heed all of the warning signs and notices and to listen to those who know our beaches, coves and tides when being advised to move to a safer position on the beach.”

📷Credit: Geoff Squibb

📷Credit: Geoff Squibb

📷Credit: The Lizard RNLI