Cows in the Sea and Paddleboard Drama: Fowey RNLI Volunteers Spring into Action on Busy Day

It was an eventful Thursday (1st August) for the dedicated volunteers at Fowey RNLI, who were called out three times as they balanced lifesaving duties with their station’s 200th anniversary celebrations.

Cows in the Water at Chapel Point

The first call came early, at 1:50 am, when the Fowey RNLI crew was dispatched to a highly unusual scene near Chapel Point, close to Mevagissey. Reports of approximately 20 cows in the water prompted the D-class lifeboat’s launch, where the crew found a herd of cattle both in the sea and stranded on nearby rock ledges.

The situation was already being handled by two farmers in the water, who were guiding the animals back to shore. The RNLI crew assisted by providing torchlight and monitoring the safety of the farmers and cattle before returning to base at 4:15 am.

James Dowrick, Fowey RNLI volunteer helm, commented on the incident, noting that while it was an unexpected sight, the farmers had things under control, and the lifeboat team was able to support the effort and ensure everyone’s safety.

Paddleboarding Rescue Off Par Beach

Later, around midday, the crew was called out again, this time to assist a mother and daughter in distress while paddleboarding off Par Beach. The pair had become stranded on rocks on the eastern side of the beach.

The lifeboat crew swiftly rescued the mother and daughter, bringing them back to the shore safely. Thankfully, the situation was resolved without further incident, showcasing the crew’s expertise and readiness.

Cancelled Launch and Exhibition Opening

The third page of the day did not result in a launch, as the incident was cancelled before the crew was deployed.

These back-to-back callouts came as Fowey RNLI opened a new exhibition in the Town Hall, celebrating 165 years of the Fowey lifeboat station and the RNLI’s 200th anniversary. The exhibition, which runs until Sunday, offers a deep dive into the station’s history, with previously unseen photographs, interviews, rescue footage, and models of lifeboats, including a working replica of Fowey’s all-weather lifeboat.

Exciting Events to Come

The anniversary celebrations continue with a series of events, starting with a live performance by Joey the Lips on Fowey Town Quay on Friday (2nd August) evening. The band, known for their high-energy Soul, Funk, Blues, and Motown sound, will play from 7:45 pm, following a lifeboat dedication ceremony and public tours of the lifeboat starting at 5 pm. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display at 9:45 pm, set off from a barge in Fowey Harbour.

Saturday (3rd August) will see the station open to the public for lifeboat tours, a demonstration of a working model of Fowey’s all-weather lifeboat, and a fender race in the harbour. The week’s festivities will conclude on Sunday with the final day of the Fowey lifeboat exhibition, which closes at 3 pm.

Fowey RNLI’s busy day highlights the vital role that the station plays in the local community, both in terms of lifesaving and preserving maritime heritage.