Sailor saved by jogger and blind luck when boat wrecked near Bolberry

A lone sailor has been rescued from the rocks near Bolberry after his boat wrecked on the rocks at dusk - and he was only discovered when a jogger happened to notice his boat on the rocks and called it in to the Coastguard. 

But the sailor's luck needed to hold out a little bit longer. 

Falmouth Coastguard received the 999 call from the jogger at around 7.30pm and an "immediate emergency response" was then put in place and Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Team and both the Salcombe RNLI lifeboats were launched. On arrival, lifeboat crews located the vessel on the rocks, and wreckage in the water, but could see no casualties.

Luckily, the teams didn't give up, and a joint search between Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Teams and the Salcombe lifeboats was "immediately established, covering the cliffs surrounding the wreckage".

That's when shouts were heard coming from the cliffs and the casualty, who had scrambled nearly 100m up the cliff and was now stuck in an area not visible to the Coastguard Rescue Teams above, was spotted by the lifeboats.

Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Team at the top of the cliff, Salcombe RNLI lifeboats in the water and Rescue 924 overhead as the crews prepare for a cliff rescue - credit Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Team

Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Officers then managed to winch a rescuer down to the casualty and then retrieve them both to the cliff top where the sailor was given first ad treatment before being airlifted to hospital. 

A spokesperson for Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Teams said: "The success of this incident came down to seamless teamwork. The lifeboats perspective, the CRTs technical rescue capability, and the helicopter crew’s medical care and evacuation all played vital roles. An outstanding effort from everyone involved, and we wish the casualty a swift recovery.

"We also want to extend our thanks to the member of the public who made the call, without their 999 call this incident could have had a much different outcome. We also want apologise to any of the local residents in the area who may have had their evenings disrupted by the rescue operation. We please ask any comments made to be respectful, thank you."

Coastguard Rescue Officers stretcher the casualty into the back of Rescue 924 for onward treatment at hospital - credit Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Team

The sailor sustained minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. 

☎️ Remember in a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.