Mum thanks emergency crews who saved son lost in the dark on Cornish coast
He managed to dial 999 just before his phone battery died
Last updated 1st Nov 2021
A mum has sent a message of thanks to emergency crews after two youngsters got lost on the Cornish coast in the dark.
One of the lads managed to dial 999 but his phone battery died before he could give his exact location.
The Penlee Lifeboat and Penzance Coastguard Rescue Team scoured the area south of Mousehole.
Using two powerful searchlights and a thermal imaging camera they found the casualty on rocks about 10ft above sea level near Mousehole Cave.
A Penlee Lifeboat spokesperson said: "Due to the poor onshore sea conditions it was unsafe to attempt an evacuation by either lifeboat.
"Penzance Coastguard Rescue Team arrived on scene shortly after and made their way to the casualty - they were not able to evacuate the casualty due to the sea conditions and dangerous accessibility. A decision was then made to task the Coastguard Rescue 924 Helicopter.
"Both lifeboat’s remained on scene, keeping searchlights on the casualty until the helicopter arrived on scene just before 8.00pm. A winch man was lowered, and after some impressive flying by the pilot in a very difficult position, the young lad was winched to safety."
Whilst on route to Penzance Heliport to be reunited with his parents, the young casualty informed the helicopter crew that he was with a friend who could also be in need of assistance.
The spokesperson for Penlee Lifeboat added: "Both lifeboats immediately commenced a search along the shoreline and once again it was the all-weather lifeboat ‘Ivan Ellen’ that located the 2nd casualty further along the coast.
"Rescue 924 arrived on scene, recovered the 2nd casualty, and returned to Penzance Heliport to reunite him with his family.
"At 9.40pm both lifeboats and the Coastguard Rescue teams were stood down and given permission to return to station by Falmouth Coastguard.
"A job well done by both lifeboat crews, the Coastguard Rescue Teams, Rescue 924 Helicopter and Falmouth Coastguard who co-ordinated the incident. Two young lives were saved this evening."
Following the rescue last Wednesday night (27th October) one of the parents of the boys has sent a message of thanks to the crews.
She said: "Hello. I'm the mother of Michael one of the lads that was stranded, and I would like to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to all coastguard, police, and lifeboat crew without your superb efforts it could of turned out quite different, can't thank you enough, what amazing people you all are THANK YOU again."