Sharrow Point rescue where the sea was too rough for Looe lifeboats

Two lifeboats, a helicopter, lifeguards on the rocks and two coastguard teams. That is what it took to bring two people back to safety from Sharrow Point as Storm Austen battered the south east Cornwall coast.

Volunteer crews from the RNLI in Looe launched both of their inshore lifeboats in extremely challenging conditions last Friday morning (23 October). They joined Plymouth RNLI, RNLI lifeguards from South East Cornwall, the HM Coastguard helicopter Rescue 924, and the Looe and Tamar Coastguard Rescue Teams.

📷Tregonhawke RNLI lifeguards (L-R): Terry Dungay, Rupert Callard, Mark Oliver

A call to a closed beach

At approximately 10.50am, RNLI lifeguards at neighbouring Tregonhawke Beach were alerted by HM Coastguard to two people in difficulty near Sharrow Point, an area known for its hazardous rocks and challenging sea conditions.

Tregonhawke Beach was already closed to the public and flying red flags because of the severe weather. The lifeguards quickly made their way towards the scene.

Lifeguard Rupert Callard crossed the rocks at Sharrow Point and found a casualty stranded there. Meanwhile, lifeguard Terry Dungay kept HM Coastguard updated and coordinated the response as it developed.

📷Stock image: Looe RNLI D Class Ollie Naismith II in rough weather conditions

Too rough for a lifeboat rescue

As the incident unfolded, HM Coastguard asked for support from Looe’s inshore lifeboats and a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter. Looe’s volunteer crew launched both the Atlantic 85 and the D class lifeboat, and Plymouth RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was tasked to provide additional cover.

The crews faced strong north-westerly winds, rough seas and limited access around the coastline. When they arrived, they judged that a rescue by lifeboat would be unsafe in the sea conditions close to the casualties. So they stayed on scene in support while the rescue was coordinated from the shore and the air.

Clive Palfrey, Looe RNLI’s volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, was at the helm of the Atlantic 85.

“Heading across the bay towards Sharrow, crews on both lifeboats encountered deteriorating weather conditions with heavy seas in the gusting north westerly winds,” he said. “Arriving on scene we immediately realised the conditions in the cove off Sharrow beach would make a rescue by lifeboat impossible.”

The D class was stood down and returned to station.

Winched from the rocks

The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter winched one casualty from the rocks and transferred them safely to the beach. RNLI lifeguards helped the second casualty away from the water and back to safety.

Both were assessed on the beach by emergency services before being handed into the care of Coastguard Rescue Team members.

With the sea still getting worse, the crew of Plymouth RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat escorted Looe’s Atlantic 85 back towards Looe.

“Crews on both inshore lifeboats were grateful for the escort back to Looe from our flank station colleagues at Plymouth,” said Clive.

“A great example of teamwork”

Charlie Gillett, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, said: “This was a great example of teamwork in incredibly challenging conditions. Our lifeguards quickly recognised the seriousness of the situation and worked closely with HM Coastguard, the helicopter crew and our RNLI lifeboat colleagues to help bring both casualties to safety.

“I am incredibly proud of the professionalism shown by the lifeguard team throughout the incident. Everyone remained focused on the task in hand, communicated effectively and adapted to changing circumstances as the response developed.

“The successful outcome highlights the value of multi-agency working and the dedication of everyone involved.”

Clive praised his lifeboat and shore crew, who answered their pagers in significant numbers.

“This shout was a great example of RNLI lifeboat crews from flank stations working together with RNLI lifeguards and other agencies to achieve a successful outcome for the casualties,” he said. “We’re proud to have played our part in what was a fantastic team effort in extremely difficult circumstances.”

If you’re heading to the coast in rough weather

Storm Austen brought dangerous sea conditions right across the South West coast, with large waves, strong winds and powerful currents around exposed beaches and coastal areas.

The RNLI’s advice for anyone visiting the coast during severe weather is to stay well back from cliff edges, seafronts and exposed rocks, and to avoid going into the water at all.

📷Stock image: Looe RNLI Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II in rough weather conditions