Urgent Call-Out: Newquay RNLI Lifeboats Assist Coastguard with River Gannel Casualty

At 1:17pm on Tuesday, 12th November, Newquay RNLI volunteers were paged to assist the Newquay Coastguard Search & Rescue Team with an urgent incident on the river Gannel. A man had fallen seriously ill while walking below the former Hotel California, and with the tide rising rapidly, coastguard teams requested additional support to bring the casualty to safety.

The RNLI promptly launched their D class inshore lifeboat, helmed by newly qualified James Coombes, to join the coastguard response. Facing shifting riverbed conditions and navigating the currents over Fistral Bay, the lifeboat crew proceeded toward the scene, prepared to assist. However, before they arrived, the Newquay Coastguard team successfully moved the casualty to the safety of land, where he was handed over to an awaiting ambulance.

First Official Call for New Helm

For James, the operation marked his first official task as a qualified helm. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “The conditions were testing whilst travelling over Fistral Bay and negotiating the river Gannel is always challenging due to the regular shifting of the riverbed. However, as my first official shout as a qualified helm, I was able to apply the skills and experience that I’ve gained over the last few years.”

The RNLI lifeboat crew, having been stood down, returned to base around 2:00pm. Both Newquay RNLI and Newquay Coastguard Search & Rescue Team emphasise the importance of coordinated efforts in responding swiftly to incidents along the coast and waterways.