Boy rescued after getting cut off by rising tide off the Cornish coast
The RNLI says the 14-year-old who was stranded on an island was unable to swim
Last updated 8th Aug 2022
A 14-year-old boy has been rescued after getting stranded on an island off the Cornish coast.
The RNLI says the teen got cut off by the rising tide at Polmear near Charlestown because he was unable to swim and could not make it to safety.
The Fowey Lifeboat was scrambled by the Coastguard the Thursday before last (28th July).
Crews say the youngster managed to move from the island onto rocks, but could not reach the shore.
A member of St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team stayed with the boy until the arrival of the inshore lifeboat.
Fowey D class helm, Amelia Luck, said: "Polmear Island is a notorious spot for tidal cut off.
"Getting cut off by the tide is a major cause of RNLI call outs. People are often unaware that they are in potential danger and as such are not prepared.
"We advise people to always check the tide times and heights and to keep a look out for incoming tide.
"It is also important to always carry a means of calling for help, which fortunately the boy had done".
The volunteer crew took the boy back to Charlestown harbour where he was reunited with his parents who were waiting on the quay.