RNLI scrambles to save paraglider who swooped into the sea off Cornwall
A daredevil holidaymaker was saved from the sea off west Cornwall this weekend thanks to the speedy actions of the public and the RNLI.
The man, said to be in his forties, threw himself off the cliffs at St Agnes in a bid to launch his paraglider skywards.
However, he only succeeded in swooping into the watery depths below. Having received a 999 call from members of the public who witnessed the terrifying incident, the local RNLI lifeboat and the Coastguard helicopter were scrambled on Saturday evening.
The RNLI confirmed the man was taken to hospital in Treliske to be checked over, but it is not thought the man sustained any major injuries.
The RNLI released a statement saying: "The paraglider, who was on holiday, was witnessed by several bystanders, as he took off from his standing launch site above the cliffs at Newdowns Head.
"He was professionally kitted and equipped, but for an unknown reason, following his launch, he found himself in difficulty and was witnessed to glide down beyond the cliffs, landing in the sea.
"Members of the public, who were watching him called 999, asking for the Coastguard.
"The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Falmouth requested the launch of the St.Agnes RNLI lifeboat, 'Kenneth R Easter', the station's current relief Lifeboat.
"The lifeboat crew were paged at 1730hrs and the crew assembled and launched the lifeboat, with a crew of Helm Adam Garland, Paul Fisher and Laura Penhaul. This was Laura's first Operational Call out as crew member. The lifeboat proceeded towards the last known position of the paraglider.
"In addition, and due to the potential severity of the incident, the HM Coastguard Helicopter was also scrambled and made it's way to the scene.
"St Agnes Coastguard Cliff Rescue Team were paged and also made there way to co-ordinate the incident.
"The male casualty, in his late 40s, was located by the lifeboat and recovered into the boat.
"Although he had no physical injuries, he was winched into the HM Coastguard Helicopter and taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, for a full medical examination following his emersion ordeal.
"On this occasion, the casualty had the appropriate equipment and thanks to the prompt action of witnesses, who called 999 and asked for the Coastguard, who were able to co-ordinate a prompt rescue and recovery of him.
"Once the casualty was safely recovered into the helicopter and on route to hospital, the lifeboat crew recovered his equipment from the water, for him to collect at a later date".
