Paddle Boarders Rescued Off Port Gaverne by Port Isaac RNLI After Being Blown Out to Sea

On Tuesday, 6th August, five paddle boarders found themselves in a dangerous situation off the coast of Port Gaverne, requiring a swift response from the RNLI and local rescuers.

Paddle Boarders Caught in Strong Winds

At 3:18pm, the RNLI volunteer crew of the D-Class inshore lifeboat, The Pride of Port Isaac, was alerted by the Coastguard after receiving reports that the paddle boarders were being blown out to sea by strong WSW winds. The group was feared to be nearly two miles offshore, drifting towards Barrett’s Zawn, a situation that could have quickly escalated.

The lifeboat crew, along with the fishing boat Emma Kate from Padstow, promptly responded to the Coastguard’s pan-pan call, a distress signal indicating urgency. Fortunately, the paddle boarders were located closer to shore than initially feared. Despite this, the conditions were challenging, and the assistance of Emma Kate proved invaluable.

Rescue and Safety Reminder

All five paddle boarders, along with their boards, were safely recovered and brought back to the beach at Port Gaverne by The Pride of Port Isaac. The swift and coordinated response ensured that what could have been a dire situation was resolved without injury.

Helmsman Tom Brown, who led the RNLI crew during the rescue, highlighted the importance of being aware of changing weather conditions. “The wind can pick up unexpectedly and change conditions very quickly, which is exactly what happened today. Even experienced water users can find themselves in trouble,” he noted.

Following the rescue, a member of the RNLI team encountered three visitors preparing to paddleboard. After sharing news of the recent rescue and advising them on the strong winds, the visitors wisely chose to postpone their paddle until conditions were safer.

RNLI’s Ongoing Commitment

The RNLI continues to urge all water users to check weather conditions before venturing out and to carry essential safety equipment, such as flotation devices and communication tools, which can be lifesaving in an emergency. The crew of The Pride of Port Isaac remains vigilant and ready to respond to any further emergencies along the coast.