Looe RNLI Rescues Two After Jet Ski Breaks Down Off Millendreath

Two people were rescued from the water off Millendreath on Saturday 13th September after their jet ski broke down, leaving them cold and stranded.

The incident began around lunchtime when Looe RNLI’s volunteer duty launch authority, Adam, was alerted by a member of the public who reported a jet ski in difficulties in Looe Bay. Just as Adam prepared to investigate, his pager sounded with a tasking request. After confirming with Falmouth MRCC that it was the same incident, launch pagers were activated at 12.31 pm.

Within eight minutes, shore crew had prepared the Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II for launch. A crew of four set out on the inshore lifeboat towards Millendreath.

Jet Ski Snagged by Rope

On arrival, the crew found two casualties in the water, one clinging to the jet ski. A rope had fouled the impeller, causing the machine to malfunction.

The pair had entered the water to try to free the rope but were unsuccessful. One of them had even begun swimming towards the shore in an attempt to raise the alarm.

Both were wearing buoyancy aids but had no means of calling for help. They were pulled onboard, where a casualty care check found them uninjured, though both were wet and very cold.

The lifeboat helm decided the safest course was to tow the jet ski and return the casualties to Looe Lifeboat Station, where they could dry off and warm up with a hot drink.

‘Already Very Cold’

Lifeboat Operations Manager Clive Palfrey said:

“It was fortunate members of the public spotted something was wrong and raised the alarm immediately, which is always the right thing to do. Even though the casualties were wearing buoyancy aids they were not carrying a means of calling for help. The lifeboat reached the casualties within 15 minutes of the first report, and they were already very cold. This quick response prevented the incident escalating into something far more serious, if they were in the water for any longer, they would have been at real risk of suffering hypothermia.”

Safety Reminder

The RNLI advise anyone heading out to sea to always wear a buoyancy aid and to carry a reliable means of calling for help. Even in relatively warm weather, water temperatures can quickly lead to cold shock and hypothermia, making early rescue critical.

📷Stock image Looe RNLI Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II heading out into Looe bay - Photo credit RNLI / Ian Foster