Penlee Lifeboat launches for paddleboarders off St Michael’s Mount

Two young people out on a paddle board west of St Michael’s Mount found themselves in trouble on Tuesday afternoon, prompting Newlyn’s all-weather lifeboat to launch at speed towards Mount’s Bay.

📷Credit: Penlee Lifeboat

Crew scrambled within minutes

The Penlee Lifeboat ‘Ivan Ellen’ launched on service at 16:18, under the command of Coxswain Patch Harvey. Mechanic Andrew Wood and five volunteer crew were aboard, and the boat made best speed towards the two casualties as soon as it cleared Newlyn Harbour.

Penlee is one of Cornwall’s busiest RNLI stations, and its volunteers are used to being under way within minutes of the pagers going off, whatever the hour.

Stood down before reaching the scene

The call did not need the full run out to St Michael’s Mount. Shortly after the lifeboat cleared the harbour wall, Falmouth Coastguard radioed through to say the two paddleboarders had made it ashore safely.

Back in Newlyn, ready to go again

With the casualties confirmed safe and well, Ivan Ellen turned back for Newlyn Harbour, where the crew made the boat ready for its next service. For Coxswain Patch Harvey and his crew, that readiness is the job. The pagers could go again at any hour, for any kind of call.

📷Credit: Penlee Lifeboat