Looe RNLI Volunteers Save Family of Four Stranded on Keveral Beach

In a swift and coordinated effort, Looe RNLI volunteers successfully rescued a family of four stranded on Keveral Beach earlier today, Friday, 9th August 2024. The family, consisting of two adults and two children, found themselves unable to relaunch their kayaks after encountering treacherous conditions on the Cornish coast.

Swift Response from RNLI

The drama unfolded shortly after midday when both of Looe RNLI’s inshore lifeboats were launched in response to the family’s call for help. The crew pagers sounded at 12:07 pm, and within just eleven minutes, the D Class inshore lifeboat, Ollie Naismith II, helmed by Dave Jackman, was en route to the scene. The Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Sheila and Dennis Tongue II, helmed by Matt Jaycock, followed closely behind.

The family had stopped at a beach between Millendreath and Seaton for a lunch break but soon found themselves in trouble. Upon nearing the shore, they encountered a strong shore dump—a dangerous wave phenomenon that can occur even when the sea appears relatively calm. The strengthening onshore winds compounded their difficulties, making it impossible for them to relaunch their kayaks from the beach.

A Successful Rescue

The D Class lifeboat crew quickly spotted the family stranded below Keveral cliffs. After a swift assessment, which confirmed that none of the family members were injured, they were transferred from the beach to the waiting Atlantic 85 lifeboat. The D Class lifeboat then towed the two kayaks behind as the family was safely transported back to Looe.

This lunchtime operation marked the first rescue shout for the newest volunteer, Mark Turton, who had only just completed his Crew Emergency Procedures course in mid-July at Poole. Mark received his pager on Wednesday evening and didn’t expect to be called into action so quickly. 

Expert Advice from RNLI

Duty launch authority, Brain Bowdler, praised the family’s decision to call for assistance, emphasising the dangers of shore dumps. “Negotiating a shore dump can be tricky,” he explained. “Even when the sea looks relatively calm, waves on beaches tend to come in sets of several larger waves and can go from ankle-high to chest-high in minutes, breaking very close to shore. This is known as a shore dump. It is in these challenging conditions that the D Class comes into its own for beach rescues.”

The RNLI urges beachgoers and those using watercraft to remain vigilant and to not hesitate in calling for help if they find themselves in difficult situations.

This rescue highlights the dedication and readiness of Looe’s RNLI volunteers, who stand ready to assist in emergencies on the water, no matter how challenging the conditions.