Dartmouth, United Kingdom - June 09, 2024

Neil Bascombe, a kayaker from Poole, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Dart RNLI volunteers who saved his life after a harrowing accident left him stranded and injured near Dartmouth. On June 9, during a family holiday to Kingsbridge, Neil ventured out to explore the coves around Blackpool Sands when disaster struck. A slip on the rocks resulted in multiple fractures to his spine and neck, leaving him in critical condition.

"If I hadn't been rescued I wouldn't be here," Neil recounted, reflecting on the terrifying moments when he found himself trapped and injured. "The RNLI were fantastic," he praised. "There was no other way I was getting off those rocks."

Neil's sons, Marcus and Jason, played crucial roles in the rescue effort. Marcus discovered his father lying injured on the rocks and immediately alerted the family, who swiftly called the Coastguard. Despite the challenging conditions, including rising tides and Neil's worsening condition, the Dart RNLI's D Class volunteer lifeboat crew arrived promptly, providing essential medical aid and transferring Neil to safety aboard the Atlantic 85 lifeboat.

"They were brilliant," Neil remarked, expressing his relief and gratitude for their efforts to keep him comfortable during the ordeal. Following the rescue, Neil underwent extensive treatment at Torbay Hospital, where further examinations revealed the extent of his injuries.

Reflecting on his recovery, Neil expressed gratitude for still being alive and hopeful for a full recovery despite the challenges ahead. His wife, Jackie, echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the profound impact of the RNLI's swift and dedicated response in saving Neil's life.