Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Crews Respond to Alert from London Viewer Watching Fistral Beach Webcam

On the evening of Wednesday, 10 April, an urgent rescue operation unfolded at Fistral Beach, Newquay, after a distress call was received from a concerned individual in London.

The Newquay RNLI Lifeboat crew was paged at precisely 8.56pm, launching a comprehensive search mission for a reported person in distress in the water.

High Tech Alert

The alarm was raised by a London-based individual who, while watching a live webcam feed from a local café at Fistral Beach, noticed what appeared to be a person floating in the water. The sharp-eyed viewer did not hesitate to contact Falmouth Coastguard, prompting an immediate response from the RNLI crew.

Challenging Conditions and Team Response

In challenging sea conditions, the charity’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, affectionately known as Uncle Johnny, was deployed. Assessing the situation, the helm decided it was also necessary to launch the D Class lifeboat, Enid Mary, known for its effectiveness in shoreline searches.

The Newquay coastguard search & rescue team, alongside HM Coastguard Padstow and the Coastguard helicopter 924, joined the lifeboats in a thorough search of the area. The operation was supported by the use of parachute flares, which lit up the night sky to aid the search efforts.

No Findings After Extensive Search

Despite the rigorous search that lasted until approximately 1:09am, all teams involved concluded the area had been thoroughly covered with no findings of concern. The operation was extensive, utilising both sea and air resources, yet it ultimately proved to be a false alarm with good intentions.

Complex Recovery Operations

The return of the lifeboats was not straightforward due to the ebbing tide. A special net recovery system had to be used for the Atlantic 85. The shore crew prepared the net to ‘catch’ the lifeboat, ensuring it did not overshoot the cradle and collide with the amphibious tractor. The recovery was skilfully executed by Wayne and his son Mike Martin, showcasing the precision and teamwork of the RNLI volunteers.

Debrief and Preparations for Next Launch

Following the operation, both lifeboats were refuelled and stored, ready for their next call to action. The volunteers left the station around 1:45am after a full debrief. The boat had to be manually turned on a turntable to face the correct way for any future launches, highlighting the meticulous nature of RNLI operations.

RNLI and Coastguard: Vigilant as Ever

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that the RNLI and Coastguard play in maritime safety. They commend the vigilance of the public and urge anyone with concerns about coastal safety to contact emergency services immediately. The false alarm, though proving harmless, was approached with the utmost seriousness, demonstrating the commitment of the rescue teams to safeguarding lives at sea. The RNLI and Coastguard would always encourage anyone to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they see anything remotely concerning at the coast.