Plymouth, UK – On Sunday, 25 January 2026, Plymouth RNLI volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, Annabel E Jones, to assist an elderly man who had fallen and sustained a head injury near Millbrook Lake.

The casualty had fallen close to the water’s edge, where access by land was difficult. Tasked at 9:45 a.m. by Falmouth Coastguard, the crew navigated to the location. With the high spring tide, they were able to place two volunteer crew members ashore to assess the man’s condition.

Using the tide to their advantage, the lifeboat team safely extracted the injured man and transferred him along the shoreline to a rendezvous point. There, Tamar Coastguard Rescue Team and South Western Ambulance Service were waiting to provide further medical care.

Neil Humphrey, ILB Helm, said, “We were able to successfully extract the injured gentleman, thanks in part to the accurate location provided using what3words, which was passed to the Coastguard, and the casualty making himself known as we approached the area. We would also like to thank the South Western Ambulance Service and Tamar Coastguard Rescue Team for their assistance with the casualty’s onward care. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

The lifeboat crew’s swift response ensured the man received prompt care despite the challenging shoreline conditions.

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