You never forget your RNLI training. For our lifeboat crews, the ability to assess a situation and take immediate action is vital. When Isles of Scilly boatman and retired lifeboat Coxswain Andy Howells saw a boat capsize during a wildlife excursion, he knew exactly what to do

‘We were at the top end of Tresco making our way back round,’ recalls Andy Howells. ‘We passed a small boat with three or four people onboard going in the opposite direction. I thought no more of it.’ Behind them, was the granite outcrop known as Kettle Rock. The channel of water between the rock and the shore can be unpredictable and dangerous. ‘The swell can build and build through there,’ says Andy. ‘You end up with a surfing wave. It’s one of those places you don’t want to be. The swell was building rapidly so I decided to go back and check.’ It was fortunate he did. The boat had ground to a halt. ‘It looked like a big wave had already gone through,’ says Andy. ‘It wasn’t looking good.’ The next moment, a powerful wave broke over the top of the boat, upending it and sweeping it towards the shore. Andy powered Osprey back the way they’d come. ‘I told the passengers to look out for any people in the water, any debris. We couldn’t see anything at first – there was no sign of the boat, or anyone.’ Then they spotted three people on the rocks and one person in the water. Andy immediately radioed the Coastguard for help
‘As we got nearer we could hear the man in the water shouting,’ says Andy. ‘He was complaining of being tired. I knew I had to go in and get him and that I might only have one chance. I crept in quietly, carefully. We got the lifering over the bow next to the casualty so he could get his arms and then his whole body inside. Then I slowly came astern so I could get away from the shore, out of the way of the breaking waves. Andy’s casualty care training kicked in while they waited for the lifeboat. ‘He started to be sick. We put him in a thermal protection bag, then in the recovery position, and monitored his condition carefully.’ Once he’d been safely transferred to St Mary’s all-weather lifeboat, Coxswain Pete Hicks and his crew gave the casualty oxygen and prepared him for medical evacuation. Helicopter Rescue 924 airlifted all four casualties to hospital on the mainland, where they received treatment for their injuries. As they disembarked, Osprey’s passengers applauded the actions of their skipper. Lifeboat Coxswain Pete Hicks said: ‘Andy’s natural curiosity saved the day. His instinct was spot on. There’s no doubt Andy saved the man’s life. He and the three other casualties are lucky to be alive.’
Words: Rob Westcott
Photos: RNLI/Rob Westcott, Barefoot Photographer

A fair whack was down to my RNLI training’
ANDY HOWELLS
SKIPPER, OSPREY
Andy Howells has been taking passengers between the islands and on wildlife excursions since 1990. He was second coxswain at St Mary’s Lifeboat Station for 7 years, and coxswain for 12. Family and business commitments led him to step down as a lifeboat volunteer in 2011. ‘The RNLI’s something I’ve done nearly all my career. I joined the crew in 1985 – I was in it for 26 years. I would say a fair old whack of what I did that day was down to my RNLI training. I’ve taken part in all sorts of rescues, but not anything quite like this one.'