Man Rescued by Fowey Lifeboats After Serious Head Injury Near Coombe Beach

On Sunday, 19 May, at 12:50, the duty Launch Authority (LA) at Fowey lifeboat station received a distressing phone call reporting a man with a serious head injury near Coombe Beach.

The individual was found lying motionless, prompting an urgent response.

The D class and all-weather volunteer lifeboat crews had just concluded their regular Sunday morning training when the call came in. Recognising the severity of the situation, the LA and the all-weather coxswain decided that both lifeboats were necessary for a potential stretcher extraction and possible helicopter evacuation. The LA immediately launched both lifeboats and sought assistance from the St Austell Coastguard team.

Swift Action by Lifeboat Crews

Two all-weather crew members quickly changed into dry suits to join the inshore boat crew, while others prepared both boats. As pagers alerted additional crew members, the lifeboats launched swiftly.

Upon arrival at the scene, the D class helms, trained in casualty care, were deployed ashore. They returned to the boat to retrieve more crew and a stretcher. An ambulance was called to the beach, and the casualty was triaged over the phone. On-site, the injured man was bandaged, given oxygen, placed in a stretcher, and transported to the D class lifeboat with the help of the coastguard.

Transfer to All-Weather Lifeboat

The casualty, accompanied by a family member and their dog, was then transferred to the all-weather lifeboat. It was discovered that the injury resulted from a fall from height. The decision was made to have the ambulance meet the lifeboat at Fowey station, with the coastguard team repositioning to assist on the pontoon. The casualty care team stayed with the injured man during the journey to ensure continuous care.

Critical Coordination

At Fowey station, the injured man was handed over to the ambulance team. The quick and coordinated response by the lifeboat crews, coastguard, and ambulance services highlights the importance of having someone available to take emergency calls. Fowey station, like many others, is often unmanned, underscoring the crucial need for the public to call 999 and ask for the coastguard in coastal emergencies. The coastguard can directly contact crew and station personnel and coordinate with other emergency services.

This successful rescue operation is a testament to the dedication and preparedness of the volunteer lifeboat crews and their seamless cooperation with other emergency services.