The RNLI Penlee Lifeboat volunteers save Nutmeg the dog
The RNLI Penlee Lifeboat volunteers save Nutmeg the dog
Lifeboats News Release
The RNLI Penlee all-weather lifeboat was launched just after 11am on 9th July 2025 to assist with a dog which had gone over a cliff between Rinsey and Porthleven.
RNLI/Philip Monckton
Penlee Lifeboat volunteers rescue Nutmeg a chocolate labrador
Penlee’s Ivan Ellen was launched immediately under Coxswain Patch Harvey and a crew of five volunteers and raced to Rinsey Head where the search for the missing dog would begin. After some time searching the dog was located at Parc Trammel Cove near Porthleven where the cliff rescue team had also attended but the cove appeared inaccessible from above.
Coxswain Patch Harvey dispatched Ivan Ellen’s Y-boat with volunteers Lewis William and Chris Davey aboard. They approached the dog, a chocolate labrador called Nutmeg which had some cuts and bruises to its face but otherwise seemed unhurt. Chris Davey carried Nutmeg to the Y-boat and they returned to the Ivan Ellen, where Nutmeg was treated to blankets and water and a check over.
Because of low tide at Porthleven the Y-boat was relaunched and took Nutmeg into the harbour to be reunited with its owner who was ‘very thankful’.
Penlee Lifeboat and its volunteers returned to Newlyn to prepare for the next call - a job well done.
The RNLI rescues animals because there have been many tragic incidents where people have got into difficulty after entering the sea to rescue an animal. We would always advise owners or members of the public who see an animal struggling in the sea to call on our help instead of going to the rescue and putting themselves at risk.
It's important to keep yourself safe when you walk your dog. Keep your dog on a lead when close to cliff edges or fast flowing rivers. If your dog goes into the water or gets stuck in mud, don't go after the dog. Move to a place where your dog can get to safely and call it - It'll probably get out on its own.
Notes to editors
Penlee RNLI is based in Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 5HW. The volunteers crew an all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat the Ivan Ellen and a B class Atlantic 21 inshore lifeboat the Mollie and Ivor Dent. The Penlee Lifeboat has a rich 200 years history of saving lives at sea.
RNLI media contacts For more information, please contact Phil Monckton, Penlee Lifeboat Press Officer on 07879818095 or [email protected], or Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Manager [email protected] or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Officer, on 07786 668847 or [email protected].
RNLI/Philip Monckton
Penlee Lifeboat volunteers save Nutmeg a chocolate labrador
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.
