Person cut off by tide at Polmear Island rescued near Charlestown

Picture heading out across the rocks at low water near Charlestown, then turning round to find the sea has crept in and closed off the way back. That is roughly what happened to one man at Polmear Island, in a rescue that pulled in a lifeboat crew, a coastguard rope team on the cliff and some quick footwork on the rocks.

The rescue at Polmear Island

Falmouth Coastguard passed a tasking request to Fowey RNLI on Monday 13 July following reports of a man cut off by the tide on Polmear Island, between Charlestown and Duporth. St Austell Coastguard and Mevagissey Coastguard were also tasked to the scene. 

The Fowey crew launched their inshore D class lifeboat into a fresh easterly wind of 17 to 21 knots. St Austell Coastguard positioned themselves at the top of the cliff with ropes, ready to reach the man if the lifeboat could not get to him. 

In choppy seas the lifeboat approached the rocks and the crew planned the best point of access. Helm Boris brought the boat close enough for crew member Oli to jump from the lifeboat onto the rocks. Oli made his way round to the casualty and escorted him back to the drop off point, where the man was given a lifejacket to wear before the two of them jumped off the rocks and onto the lifeboat. He was uninjured and was brought safely ashore to Charlestown harbour. 

📷Fowey RNLI crew rescue man cut off by tide - Credit: Fowey RNLI

What to do if you get cut off by the tide

Fowey RNLI crews are called out to people cut off by the tide, particularly at Polmear Island, on a regular basis, according to Fowey Lifeboat Press Officer Cathy Baillie.

Her advice is to check the tide times and heights before you set off, keep a lookout for the incoming tide and leave yourself enough time to get back safely. Always carry a means of calling for help on your person, and call 999 and ask for the coastguard if you are in danger or you see someone else in danger. Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back, so they can raise the alarm with the coastguard if you are overdue