Both Looe RNLI Lifeboats launched at 12.29pm on Saturday, March 4, to help a lone woman who was cut off by the tide and sheltering in a cave to the west of Portwrinkle.

Details of the shout have been released today.

HM Coastguard at Falmouth requested Looe RNLI volunteers to launch both inshore lifeboats.

The charity’s Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II was first to arrive on the scene and quickly found the woman.

With the surf conditions and strong currents the D Class lifeboat Ollie Naismith was unable to get close enough to the cave so the fourth crewman from the Atlantic 85, Guy Cooper, swam ashore to assess the casualty, who apart from being cold and wet was uninjured.

As the cave was not visible from the cliff top, both lifeboats stood by offshore to direct the Tamar Coastguard team to the location.

The team descended the steep cliff utilising a makeshift but difficult ‘fisherman’s’ path.

Due to the challenging sea conditions, a decision was made for Tamar Coastguard to escort the woman and Guy Cooper back up the cliff route to the road.

Guy said: ‘This was a well executed rescue in very difficult conditions’.

Guy, who is also trained in flood rescue techniques, advises everyone who explore our beaches to be prepared.

‘Take warm clothes, a means of communication, always check the tide times and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.’

Atlantic 85 crew: David Jackman (helm), Matthew Jaycock, Guy Cooper and Rob Deakin.

D Class crew: Toby Bray (helm), John Crabb and Aaron Rix.