Swimmer taken to hospital in busy day of sea rescues

Tuesday 10 August 2021

A swimmer had to be rescued after getting stranded on rocks at Cobo, just hours after two drunk men on a dinghy got into trouble in turbulent conditions.

Shortly after 16:30 on Monday, Guernsey Coastguard received several calls from members of the public concerned about a dinghy being swept out to sea near La Valette Bathing Pools.

Whilst the dinghy was clearly visible, the two crew were evidently struggling to paddle back to shore against the wind. Both the crew and the dinghy were safely recovered to St Peter Port Harbour.

“Inflatables like the one involved in this incident should only be used in swimming pools and not around the coast where they can be quickly swept out to sea," said a spokesperson from Guernsey Coastguard. 

"The two crew were inexperienced and had been drinking alcohol. Anyone partaking in waterborne activities must check wind and tides and carry the right safety equipment. Alcohol and water never mix." 

Later in the evening, Guernsey Coastguard received multiple 999 calls reporting a person stranded on a rock in Cobo Bay. The man was waving his arms indicating he was in distress, so St Peter Port Inshore Lifeboat was launched at 19:26 to head to the scene.

The casualty had been part of a group swimming in the bay but had become detached after starting to struggle. Before the lifeboat got there, two of the group returned to the casualty and managed to swim him back to the safety of the beach where police, paramedics, and coastguard were waiting. 

The swimmer was taken to the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.