Penlee Lifeboat Rescues Two People in Difficulty Off Carne Beach

Lifeboat Diverted Mid-Return Journey

Just 45 minutes after setting off from Polruan on its return to Newlyn, Penlee’s all-weather lifeboat Ivan Ellen was called into action on Tuesday 29th July, rescuing two people in difficulty off the coast between Portloe and Gerrans.

Under the command of Coxswain Patch Harvey, the lifeboat had originally left Newlyn at 5am to undergo a scheduled six-monthly haul-out at Toms Yard, Polruan, arriving there at 8am. With maintenance completed by midday, the vessel was en route back to base when Falmouth Coastguard diverted it to Carne Beach at 12:45pm following reports of two persons in distress.

Two Rescued After Offshore Wind Catches Paddle Boarders Out

RNLI Penlee’s crew, made up of four volunteers, located one person on a paddle board and another in the sea. Both had been caught out by a brisk offshore wind. They were recovered onto the lifeboat and wrapped in blankets to warm up.

Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat, also tasked to the incident, arrived on scene and came alongside Ivan Ellen. The casualties, while cold but not requiring further medical treatment, were transferred to the inshore lifeboat and taken to shore at Carne Beach. Porthoustock Cliff Rescue Team was on hand at the beach to provide further assistance.

Back on Course by Mid-Afternoon

Once released from the rescue, Ivan Ellen resumed its journey and arrived back at Newlyn by 3pm. Following refuelling and a wash down, the lifeboat was ready for service again by 4pm.

RNLI Penlee’s swift response on the day highlighted the close coordination between lifeboat crews and Falmouth Coastguard during summer conditions when offshore winds can quickly turn a situation dangerous.