The lifeboat crew were paged at around 5.15pm yesterday for an immediate launch of both inshore lifeboats. Falmouth coastguards had received a call from people cut off by the tide who said that they were somewhere between Looe and Portwrinkle.
’The mobile phone signal was lost before they were able to give a more precise location,’ said a spokesperson for Looe Lifeboat Station.
’A decision was made by Dave Haines, our operations manager, to launch both boats, with the D Class, Ollie Naismith, starting at Millendreath and searching east and the Atlantic 85, Sheila and Dennis Tongue II, heading to Portwrinkle to start the search westwards.’
Shortly after arriving at Portwrinkle, the crew on the Atlantic 85 spotted the casualties in a small cove to the west of the main beach.. The casualties were taken on board the inshore lifeboat and returned safely to Looe.
’This incident highlights the importance of not relying on a mobile phone to call for help as the signal can be poor along the coastline and beaches,’ the spokesperson said.
’RNLI beach safety advice recommends telling a friend where you are going and what time you expect to return.
’Always check the tide times and carry a suitable means of calling for help.’