Rescue Mission as Two People Pulled from Sea After Trying to Save Dog at Porthleven

Coastguard scramble lifeboats and helicopter in large-scale emergency response

Three lifeboats and a search and rescue helicopter were launched yesterday evening (9th April 2025) after two people got into difficulty in the sea while attempting to rescue their dog near Porthleven.

Major emergency unfolds east of the harbour

At 5:00pm, Coastguards tasked the RNLI lifeboats from Penlee and The Lizard, along with Rescue 924 helicopter, to attend an incident just east of Porthleven harbour where a dog and two people were reported in the water.

Penlee RNLI launched both of its lifeboats – the all-weather Ivan Ellen, a Severn class lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Patch Harvey, and the inshore Atlantic 85 Mollie and Ivor Dent, helmed by Will Treneer. Both boats were crewed by RNLI volunteers and made their way across the bay toward Porthleven.

They were joined by Rose, the Tamar class lifeboat from The Lizard, and Coastguard teams from Porthleven and Mullion.

Casualties helped ashore before lifeboats arrive

By approximately 5:35pm, it was confirmed that both casualties were safely ashore. One had been assisted by a local surfer.

Although Penlee and Lizard lifeboats were initially stood down, the Mollie and Ivor Dent continued to the scene to remain on standby and provide medical support if needed.

Helicopter paramedic checks over casualties

Rescue 924 landed on the beach and the onboard paramedic assessed the two individuals. Fortunately, no medical treatment was required.

Penlee’s lifeboats returned to Newlyn and were back alongside by 7:00pm. Both boats were washed down, refuelled, and made ready for their next service.

📷File pic both Penlee Lifeboats - Credit: RNLI/Philip Monckton