Two people and dog rescued after being cut off by tide at Millendreath
It was the first shout for Looe RNLI’s new D Class Ollie Naismith II
Last updated 21st Apr 2023
The first service call for Looe RNLI’s new D Class inshore lifeboat Ollie Naismith II was to help two people and their dog who were cut off by the tide at Millendreath
They were walking along the beach, close to Black Rock, yesterday (Thursday 20 April).
After realising there was no safe exit over the cliffs and attempting to wade through the waves carrying their dog would have been dangerous, they called the coastguard on 999 to ask for help.
At 4.26pm Looe RNLI volunteer crew pagers sounded for the first time in 2023. Shortly afterwards their launch tractor driver John Goodsman was launching the charity’s new D Class inshore lifeboat D-872 Ollie Naismith II on her first service call.
Assisting John were shore crew Eric Candy, Dave Robinson and Rich Jones. In strong easterly winds the D Class helmed by Dave Jackman with crew members, father and daughter, Clive and Amber Palfrey, headed across Looe bay towards Millendreath.
Arriving on scene the volunteer crew quickly spotted the casualties and reached the beach after battling through large waves breaking close to shore.
They assessed the casualties who were found to be uninjured.
It was decided that they would be taken back to Looe where they could disembark safely on the landing pontoon. They were taken to the Lifeboat Station to dry off and wait to be picked up by their family.
The volunteer crew said that even though the pair were aware of the time of high tide, it is always worth keeping an eye on your surroundings as the incoming tide can suddenly cut off any safe exit from the beach.