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Boat: All Weather Lifeboat
Crew: Mark Pollard (Coxswain), John Blakeston, David Proud, Dave Nicoll, Tom Napper, Sandy Procter, Gemma Royston
Location: Shag Rock, Mawnan Sheer
Shout Date: 08/06/2011 - 21:53
Weather:W 3, Slight Sea and Swell, Good Visibility, Partly Cloudy

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At 21:53 Falmouth Coastguard requested that Falmouth All Weather Lifeboat be launched to assist in the rescue of a group of scouts stuck on the cliff at Mawnan Sheer, providing lighting and a point of refuge for the casualties if required. The Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat and Cliff Rescue Teams from Falmouth and Porthoustock were already on scene.

The All Weather Lifeboat left its pontoon berth at 22:05 and arrived on scene off Shag Rock at 22:22. The inshore lifeboat had been diverted from its exercise at 20:59 and had located the party of eight scouts about 60ft up the cliff above Shag Rock, advising them that help was on its way and not to move. Once on scene the Coastguard Cliff Team had assessed the situation and had initially decided that it would best to lower the casualties back to the base of the cliff where they could be evacuated by sea but having cut their way through the undergrowth to the top of the cliff it was decided that the safest option was to recover the casualties to the top of the cliff.

The All Weather Lifeboat and Inshore Lifeboat, provided lighting and safety cover until all the casualties had been safely recovered by 23:39, both lifeboats were then being released to return to station.

The All Weather Lifeboat was back alongside its pontoon berth by 00:01. The lifeboat was then refuelled, and was ready for service by 00:20.

The group of twelve scouts had been walking from Maenporth to Durgan and having rounded Rosemullion Head had decided to walk along the beach rather than follow the coastal footpath. When they reached Shag Rock they realised that they could go no further and with the rising tide decided to climb back up to the footpath. Four of the party managed to make it to the top but the other eight got stuck. Due to their location they were unable to use their mobile phone to call for help but some passing walkers raised the alarm and the rescue was able to commence. Despite being cold and suffering from a few cuts and bruises having been checked over by Paramedics the casualties were released back into the care of their parents.

This was a very difficult rescue at a very remote location, and excellent team work between the emergency services on scene ensured a safe outcome. In particular the role of the Coastguard Cliff Team should be highlighted as they had to carry their equipment a considerable distance, cut their way through the undergrowth and then recover each of the casualties to the cliff top one at a time.