Penlee and Lizard Lifeboats’ Joint Effort Saves Kayaker in Distress

A daring rescue operation took place on Sunday, 30th June 2024, off the coast of Mullion, Cornwall, involving multiple rescue teams coordinated by Falmouth Coastguard.

The RNLI Penlee’s B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, the Mollie and Ivor Dent, and the Lizard All Weather Lifeboat, Rose, were dispatched at 5:30 PM to assist a kayaker who had capsized and was unable to reboard in challenging conditions.

Race Against Time

The incident began when a double kayak capsized in the fresh northwest wind and choppy waters. Despite several attempts, the kayaker was unable to get back on board and became exhausted, clinging to the kayak while awaiting help. A colleague on another kayak managed to paddle ashore and raise the alarm, prompting the rapid response from the rescue teams.

The Penlee inshore lifeboat was the first to arrive on the scene, reaching the stranded kayaker in just 25 minutes. By this time, the kayaker had been in the water for an hour and was suffering from hypothermia and severe weakness. The Penlee crew, led by Amy Smith in her first service as coxswain, managed to haul the casualty aboard for an initial assessment.

Transfer and Medical Emergency

Given the kayaker’s deteriorating condition, the decision was made to transfer him to the larger Lizard Lifeboat for more comprehensive medical treatment. With the assistance of two Lizard lifeboat crew members, the casualty was successfully moved between vessels. However, further assessment indicated the need for immediate evacuation to a hospital.

The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter was tasked for this critical mission. The kayaker was winched from the Lizard Lifeboat and transported to the hospital for urgent medical care.

Supporting the Second Kayaker

Meanwhile, the Penlee inshore lifeboat also attended to the other individual on the double kayak, who was feeling the effects of the cold. This person and the kayak were taken to Mullion Harbour, where the Mullion Cliff Rescue Team and an ambulance were on standby for further treatment.

Teamwork Saves Lives

This rescue operation highlighted the exceptional coordination between various rescue teams, including the Falmouth Coastguard, RNLI lifeboats from Penlee and Lizard, the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter, the Mullion Cliff Rescue Team, and emergency medical services. Their combined efforts were instrumental in saving lives during this harrowing incident.