RNLI Crews Rescue Man from Water off Penzance Promenade

A Rapid Lifeboat Response in Rough Conditions

Penlee Lifeboat crews carried out a dramatic rescue on the evening of 6th December after reports of a person in the water shouting for help off Penzance promenade.

Falmouth Coastguards tasked Penlee Lifeboat at 8.45pm, prompting the immediate launch of the all weather Severn Class lifeboat Ivan Ellen under the command of coxswain Patch Harvey with a crew of six RNLI volunteers.

Patch began the search by launching the Y boat from Ivan Ellen and then called for support from the B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, which could work more efficiently in shallow water.

Two Lifeboats Battling a Three Metre Swell

The Mollie and Ivor Dent, helmed by Treve Perry with a crew of three RNLI volunteers, joined the search. Crews were working in a WSW force 5 to 6 wind and a three metre swell that caused extra difficulty as waves bounced back from the sea wall.

Under the lifeboat floodlights the casualty was found in a poor state and going under when recovered. He was taken quickly aboard the all weather lifeboat, wrapped in blankets and the warming process began.

Once back in Newlyn the casualty was carried up to the lifeboat station on a stretcher and kept warm until paramedics arrived. He was later handed over to the ambulance service.

“They Have Definitely Saved a Life Tonight”

Coxswain Patch Harvey said: “Fourteen RNLI volunteers turned out tonight to offer their service. The crews did a great job, they have definitely saved a life tonight.”

📷Credit: Phil Monckton