1st October 2021. The volunteers from NCI Boscastle have received a letter of thanks from MRCC Falmouth for their help in a rescue in September. The letter is reproduced below:

“I would like to record my thanks to National Coastwatch Institution Watchkeeper Ron Wilkinson for his assistance in the rescue of a capsized kayaker off Western Blackapit on the evening of 15th September 2021.

Mr Wilkinson passed information via telephone to MRCC Falmouth that he had been in receipt of a MAYDAY broadcast from a male in difficulty after separating from his kayak and struggling close to rocks. He was also then central in all subsequent radio communications as Falmouth Coastguard were unable to establish direct communications with the casualty, this support included establishing visual contact with the casualty and reporting throughout on conditions and situation as well as relaying information and instructions.

The calmness and professionalism shown by Ron undoubtedly gave reassurance to the casualty that assistance was forthcoming and gave us the confidence to allow Mr Wilkinson to maintain communication while we tasked Padstow RNLI Lifeboat and Boscastle Coastguard Rescue team to carry out the rescue.

I commend Mr Wilkinson on his actions which assisted in saving the gentleman’s life and record my thanks to the entirety of Boscastle NCI station as the training and skills demonstrated by Ron have obviously been passed to him through a comprehensive training and assessment programme.

Yours sincerely,

James Instance

Commander MRCC Falmouth”