St Agnes RNLI Lifeboat Launches to Rescue as Charity Wing-Foilers Take on Round Britain Challenge

St Agnes RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew sprang into action on Monday evening after reports of two wing-foilers in distress near St Agnes Head. The D-Class lifeboat was launched promptly at 4:16 pm following a call to emergency services from concerned members of the public.

The two individuals, Steve Bowens and Simon Osborne, were seen navigating the waters near Bawden Rocks. Wing-foiling, an extreme sport involving a wing-shaped kite and a hydrofoil board, can see participants reaching speeds of over 30 miles per hour. Given the potentially dangerous nature of the sport, the lifeboat crew set off to assess the situation.

Volunteer Crew Finds Well-Equipped Duo

Upon reaching the wing-foilers, RNLI volunteer helm Lloyd Stein and his crew were relieved to find that Steve and Simon were well-prepared for their challenge. Both men were equipped with VHF radios, personal locator beacons, and other essential safety gear. Despite having lost wind near Bawden Rocks, the duo was safe and in control of their situation.

Steve Bowens expressed his gratitude for the prompt response, saying, “We are just so lucky to live in a country where we have such an amazing service and where people are good enough to show concern and call for help. We are in touch with the coastguard and are letting them know our plans each day.”

Raising Funds for Cancer Research UK

The two wing-foilers were not just out for an adrenaline rush—they were embarking on the first leg of a 3,000-kilometre journey around Britain to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. The pair set off from St Ives on Sunday, with a goal of raising at least £10,000 in memory of Simon’s brother, Mark, who sadly lost his battle with cancer.

Lloyd Stein emphasised the importance of public vigilance, stating, “We are here to save lives at sea. We would much rather launch and find that all is well than for someone to be in danger and unassisted.”

Supporters can track Steve and Simon’s progress and contribute to their fundraising efforts by visiting their Foil Around Britain website.

A Reminder of the Importance of Calling 999

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of public awareness when it comes to potential emergencies at sea. Both HM Coastguard and the RNLI stress that they would much rather be called out to a situation where all is well than for a genuine emergency to go unnoticed.

As Steve and Simon continue their journey, they remain in touch with the coastguard, ensuring their safety as they undertake this monumental challenge for a worthy cause.

Photo: Bowens and Osborne plan to wing-foil around Britain in aid of Cancer Research UK. Credit: Bowens