Family Stranded at Sea Without Life Jackets Saved by Fowey RNLI

Emergency Call Leads to Swift Rescue

On 20th August at 4:01 PM, the volunteer crew from Fowey RNLI sprang into action after receiving a distress call about a broken-down boat located approximately 1.5 nautical miles southeast of Lantic Bay. The crew promptly launched their D class lifeboat to assist the stranded vessel, which had several people on board.

Family Rescued from Stricken Vessel

Upon arrival at the scene, the lifeboat crew found that the boat had drifted further southeast of its initial reported location. Four individuals on board the vessel were immediately transferred to the inshore lifeboat for their safety. One of the RNLI crew members boarded the disabled boat to address a faulty kill switch, which was preventing the boat from operating.

After securing the situation, the inshore lifeboat escorted the boat back to Fowey, ensuring the safety of all involved. The passengers, who were cold and visibly shaken by the ordeal, were dropped off near their accommodation upon returning to shore. The boat, with its owner aboard, was safely returned to the pontoon.

Safety Advice Issued Following Rescue

In the aftermath of the rescue, the RNLI crew provided important safety advice to the family. It was noted that, apart from a young child wearing a buoyancy aid, the other family members had no life jackets on board. The only safety device they were carrying was a mobile phone, which could have put them at greater risk in the event of a more serious emergency.

This incident highlights the importance of being properly equipped when venturing out to sea, especially when it comes to ensuring the safety of all passengers on board.

Photo: Fowey RNLI volunteer helm Luke ‘Boris’ Watts takes family back to safety – Credit: Fowey RNLI