Volunteer RNLI crew members were paged on Friday afternoon, for an immediate launch to a casualty cut off by the tide in the Wheal Charlotte area, south-west of Chapel Porth.
In choppy conditions and sizable surf, the D-class RNLI lifeboat made speed to search the rocky coastline between Chapel Porth and Porthtowan. After a somewhat bumpy transit the crew arrived on scene and quickly located the casualty who was able to wave to the crew and show her high-visibility rucksack cover.
With the tide still rising the volunteer helm surveyed the shoreline and, after a dynamic assessment of the risks, made the decision to run the lifeboat in to what was left of the beach. The casualty was then extracted by a member of the three-person crew and assessed for injuries and their immediate welfare. With rough waters and large surf at both Chapel Porth and Porthtowan the decision was made to return with the casualty to Trevaunance Cove.
Once ashore the woman, who was shaken but in good spirits, was taken to the warmth of the lifeboat station where her condition continued to be monitored. After warming up the woman was able to return home, albeit damp but thankfully safe and well.
Tidal cut-offs are a common occurrence on the north coast of Cornwall. The RNLI offers the following advice:
· Before you head out, make sure it's safe. Check the tide tables.
· While you're out, be aware of your surroundings and the tide's direction.
For more safety advice visit: https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/tides
The lifeboat was refuelled and rehoused ready for service at 4pm.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.
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