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RNLI Penlee rescue team reunited

Lifeboats News Release

RNLI Penlee were delighted to meet Lewis and Lynne Clark again after they returned to meet the crew who saved their dog ‘Mac’ in September 2022.

Pic shows a lifeboatman holding a dog

RNLI

Penlee RNLI volunteer Max Rowe with Mac the dog back in 2022
The RNLI volunteer crew of our Atlantic 85 Inshore lifeboat Mollie and Ivor Dent sped to the rescue of Mac the collie dog who had fallen into the sea between Mousehole and Lamorna.

Will Treneer was at the helm, with crew members Max Rowe and Jason Ward onboard. On arrival they could see that Mac was in a very distressed state, barking, whining and swimming in and out of the cave. Crew member Max Rowe entered the water, swam to Mac, and with the help of Jason Ward carefully lifted him onboard the lifeboat.

Mac underwent two operations for a number of serious injuries and remained at Penmellyn Vets St Columb for a number of weeks until he was well enough to travel back home.

Mac continued to make a good recovery and despite a bit of a limp Mac was soon back at his favourite pastime carrying sticks, wherever he went he would come out of the bushes carrying a stick - sometimes six feet long.

Lewis said: “Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to all concerned for saving Mac's life, especially the crew who rescued him, and for the care and compassion shown to us. Without their bravery we wouldn't have Mac, we'll always be thankful that there are people like yourselves in times of need. The photo of Max with Mac epitomises the bravery and compassion of the RNLI volunteers.”

In a dreadful turn of circumstances Mac had another battle to fight, one that he would not win. Last year on 26 July Lewis and Lynne let us know that Mac had passed away having lost his fight with cancer.

Yesterday (17 June 2025) Lewis and Lynne returned to Penlee to meet the crew and Max Rowe and Will Treneer were there to welcome them. They were able to talk about what had happened, the highs and lows, while being shown around our lifeboats Mollie and Ivor Dent and Ivan Ellen.

Lewis and Lynne are now foster parents looking after dogs that need care before they are re-homed.
Picture shows four people standing beside a lifeboat

RNLI/Philip Monckton

Lewis and Lynne Clark with Will Treneer and Max Rowe
Pic shows a collie dog

RNLI/Philip Monckton

Mac the collie dog

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.