Plymouth RNLI volunteers helped save a man after his vessel sank near Rame Head

Plymouth RNLI help save man after vessel sinks © RNLI

Plymouth RNLI helped save a man who was in the water for 25 minutes after his vessel sank near Rame Head on 27 March 2023.

Volunteers' pagers sounded at around 4pm after the Coastguard picked up a Mayday distress call reporting a person in the water one mile south of Rame Head, in the Whitsand Bay area.

RNLI volunteers launched the inshore lifeboat Annabel E Jones and all-weather lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover and made their way to the scene at best speed.

Once on scene in the inshore lifeboat, crew members, helm Cameron Hicks and James Scott and Josh Hay, could see a fishing boat in the area so went to investigate. As they approached they could see the skipper with a casualty on board, so volunteer crew member James boarded the fishing boat to assist.

The casualty reported he had been on his vessel, but a wave hit the boat causing it to fill with water and it quickly began to sink. He had used his mobile phone to dial 999 and ask for help and stayed on the phone to the Coastguard whilst in the water.

Following an assessment by volunteer crew member James, the casualty was taken on board the inshore lifeboat. They then made their way to the all-weather lifeboat where the casualty was transferred, and the crew made the casualty comfortable and continued casualty care while they made their way back to Plymouth Lifeboat Station. On arrival he was handed over to waiting paramedics for further care.

Plymouth RNLI Coxswain Simon Jeffery, said: "We would like to thank the skipper of the fishing vessel for answering the Mayday call and quickly locating the casualty, their assistance helped save the man's life.

"This was a time critical shout, and our crew used their skills and expertise to quickly get to the scene, get the casualty out of the water and provide the emergency casualty care he needed. Clearly this incident shows how situations can change very quickly, so we'd urge people to make sure they're fully prepared before going to sea, including wearing a lifejacket, carrying an emergency locator beacon and a radio to call for help.

"Ultimately this man has gone home to his family, after spending a long period of time in very cold water. We're delighted this incident has a positive outcome and reinforces why we do what we do - save lives at sea."

Both boats returned to station ready for service at 5.30pm.

This year, the RNLI is sending out its own Mayday call with the launch of their Mayday Mile campaign which takes place from Monday 1 May to Wednesday 31 May.

Visit RNLI.org/SupportMayday to sign-up to the Mayday Mile.