Newquay RNLI Volunteers Save Stranded Sailor and Catamaran in Distress

Two Separate Emergency Calls in Three Days Keep Newquay RNLI Volunteers Busy

The dedicated volunteers at Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Station had their hands full over the weekend, responding to two emergency calls just days apart. The events unfolded as part of a busy week for the RNLI team, who were called out for the fourth and fifth times that week to assist in life-threatening situations at sea.

Catamaran Rescued Off Newquay Harbour

On Friday, 23 August, Newquay RNLI volunteers were paged at 6:54 pm to assist a catamaran in distress, located one nautical mile north of Newquay Harbour. The volunteer crew quickly launched the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat at 7:05 pm and reached the troubled vessel shortly thereafter.

The unique design of the catamaran posed a challenge, making it impossible to attach a tow line. Despite this, the RNLI crew stayed alongside the catamaran, ensuring its safe passage into Newquay Harbour. Once close to the shore, the catamaran’s crew were able to paddle to safety, where RNLI shore volunteers were on hand to assist with the recovery. The Atlantic 85 was returned to Newquay Lifeboat Station at 8:20 pm, where it was made ready for the next call.

Late-Night Rescue of Stranded Person Between Towan and Great Western Beaches

Just two days later, on the evening of Sunday, 25 August, the Newquay RNLI team was called into action again. At 9:06 pm, Falmouth Coastguard alerted the lifeboat station to a person who had become stranded between Towan Beach and Great Western Beach as the tide came in.

The RNLI’s D class lifeboat was launched at 9:17 pm. The crew fired an illuminating flare to locate the individual and quickly brought them on board the lifeboat. The person was safely returned to Newquay Lifeboat Station by 9:40 pm. Though cold, the individual was unharmed and was able to warm up with a hot shower and drink provided by the RNLI volunteers.

A Week of Heroic Efforts

These two incidents capped off an already busy week for the Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Station. The quick response and unwavering dedication of the volunteer crew ensured the safety of those in danger, highlighting the essential role of the RNLI in coastal communities.