With crew members already assembled at the station in preparation for a shore based training session a prompt launch followed at 6.34pm.
Under the command of relief Coxswain Andrew Putt, the lifeboat proceeded to Mullion Cove after reports of two youngsters had been cut off by the tide and were unable to make their way to safety. RNLB Rose arrived on scene at 6.54pm and the two casualties were quickly sighted, the smaller Y-boat (which had already been prepared during the passage to Mullion) was launched with two crew members on board from the lifeboat and into choppy sea conditions.
The Y boat made several approaches to the small cove where the casualties were situated, assessing the swell conditions for a beach landing in anticipation of recovering both casualties to safety. On one approach the Y-boat was completely swamped, and the attempt was immediately aborted. Further attempts to reach the casualties proved to be too dangerous and having consulted with the Coxswain, the helm of the Y-boat pulled back from the beach. With the casualties still stranded the Coxswain advised Falmouth Coastguard that the safest way to evacuate them from their position was by helicopter. The lifeboat was then informed that Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924 had already been tasked and had given an ETA (to the scene) of 15 minutes.
RNLB Rose and the Y-boat crew held back slightly whilst maintaining a constant visual of the casualties until the helicopter arrived. The crew of Rescue 924 proceeded to winch the two casualties from their stranded position and land them safely on top of the cliff. On completion of this the lifeboat was released to return to station and having recovered the Y-boat back on board, RNLB Rose arrived back at Kilcobben Cove at 8.25pm. There she was rehoused and made ready for service again when required by 8.25pm. An excellent and prompt response from both boat and shore crews for this service.
HM Coastguard Rescue Teams had also been in attendance throughout the rescue operation.
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
