Clovelly RNLI volunteers aid in dramatic rescue

On Friday, July 26, Clovelly RNLI volunteers were called to assist in a dramatic multi-agency rescue operation near Bucks Mills. 

The rescue involved the coastguard, mountain rescue, and other emergency services.

The rescue mission began at 9.20pm, interrupting the summer festivities on Clovelly Harbour. 

The crew of the Toby Rundle lifeboat was paged following reports of a group lost in the woods above the rocky coast to the east of the village.

By 9.39pm, crew members Neil Wonnacott, Dave Taw, Luca Sanders, and Casie Harper had arrived at the scene. 

A flashing light helped them locate the stranded group, which was precariously positioned between a cliff face and steep woodland.

The crew informed the Hartland Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) of the casualties’ location. As a precaution, two crew members went ashore with a first aid kit and provided the Hartland CRT with vital information about potential access points from the beach.

The situation became more complex as additional rescue assets, including the Coastguard helicopter, Bideford CRT, Bude CRT, Exmoor Mountain Rescue, and the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, arrived. 

Despite these efforts, the helicopter was unable to retrieve the casualties from the air. 

The decision was made to lower them down to the beach below.

The Toby Rundle returned to station at 4.05am, marking the end of a long night for Clovelly’s team of volunteers. 

The rescued group, consisting of two adults and four children, are now safely recuperating from their ordeal.

Helm Neil Wonnacott said: “This was one of the longest shouts in my 25 years of volunteering for the RNLI. But although it was very challenging, it was great to see so many different agencies working together to tackle such a difficult rescue. There were multiple factors complicating the operation, but with teamwork we managed to achieve the best possible outcome.”

The RNLI encourages anyone walking along the coastline to plan their route carefully and carry a means of calling for help.