Caught by the Tide: Kayakers Rescued Off Cornish Coast After Struggle Near Gwennap Head

Five rescued after strong currents pushed them out to sea

RNLI volunteers from Sennen Cove were called out on Sunday 18th May after five kayakers found themselves in difficulty off Gwennap Head.

The group had set off from Porthgwarra earlier in the day and paddled west along the coast towards Longships Lighthouse. But on their return journey, they were caught by a strong tidal flow that prevented them from getting back to the cove and pushed them further offshore.

Quick thinking and good equipment

Despite the conditions, the kayakers were well prepared with VHF radios, mobile phones and safety gear. They were able to contact HM Coastguard Falmouth to report their situation.

The Tamar class all-weather lifeboat City of London III launched from Sennen Cove at 2.33pm, under the command of Coxswain Nick Hichens, with seven crew members onboard.

Volunteers from the National Coastwatch Institution at Gwennap Head kept visual contact with the group and confirmed they were safe until the lifeboat arrived.

Exhausted but safe

The lifeboat located the group around three-quarters of a mile west-north-west of Gwennap Head. The kayakers were reported to be exhausted and relieved to see help arrive.

RNLI crew recovered the individuals and their kayaks before transporting them back to Porthgwarra. The smaller Y boat was launched from the lifeboat to individually escort each kayaker ashore.

Once everyone was safely back on land, the lifeboat returned to Sennen Cove and was recovered up the slip at 3.40pm, ready for the next call-out.

“They did everything right”

Coxswain Nick Hichens said:
“The Kayakers did everything right on the day. They’d taken note of local advice and guidance but were still unfortunate to get caught out by the strong tidal flow which prevented them from returning to Porthgwarra.
They were very well equipped and able to make a call to the coastguard when help was needed.”

RNLI’s reminder: If you get into difficulty in the water, #FloatToLive.

📷Sennen Cove Tamar Class Lifeboat ' City of London III' - Photo Credit: RNLI/Timothy Stevens