Fowey Lifeboat Crew Assist Gig Rower Hurt in Late-Night Collision

Training Exercise Turns into Real Rescue

On Tuesday, 18th March, Fowey’s volunteer lifeboat crew found themselves responding to a real emergency during their regular training session when a gig rower suffered a painful back injury following a collision in the harbour.

Collision in the Dark

At around 8pm, a gig training in the harbour came alongside Berrills Yard pontoon seeking urgent assistance. The crew had collided with a large yellow steel mooring buoy in the dark, causing one of their rowers, seated in the bow, to fall backwards on impact. The rower hit a bucket containing rowing pins, injuring their lower back and leaving them in significant pain.

Immediate Lifeboat Crew Response

Several of Fowey’s RNLI volunteers, trained in casualty care and first aid, quickly stepped in to help. The crew provided warm, dry robes and pain relief, ensuring the rower was as comfortable as possible.

The injured rower was eventually able to walk to the lifeboat station, where they were kept warm while recovering from the initial shock. After about half an hour, a fellow rower assisted them into a vehicle and drove them home.

No Further Emergency Response Required

The incident was reported to Falmouth Coastguard, but no other agencies were involved.

This unexpected rescue highlights the importance of Fowey’s RNLI volunteers, who are always ready to assist—even during their own training exercises.

📷Library shot of Fowey's all-weather lifeboat on the pontoon at Berrills Yard - Credit: Fowey RNLI