An RNLI lifeboat would not have been able to launch to a potentially life-threatening incident after a van blocked access to the water.
Crew from Newquay lifeboat station were lucky not to need their biggest lifeboat, but still had to work around the obstruction to get their smaller boat into the harbour for both training and an incident. A white van parked on the yellow hatched area of the slipway forced the crew to carry the smaller boat to the water by hand rather than use the tractor and trailer.
A spokesperson for the RNLI said not being able to launch the bigger boat and restricting access even to the smaller lifeboat could have had a dramatic impact on the charity's lifesaving capability, as any delay can put lives at risk.
The incident happened last night (Thursday August 13).
A spokesperson for the RNLI said: "When our volunteer crews are requested to launch, they must be able to reach the lifeboat station and launch the lifeboat without delay. To do so as quickly and safely as possible, they need unrestricted access to the station 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
According to the highway code, hatched yellow markings mean you must not stop, wait, or park your vehicle in that space.
The RNLI spokesperson said the smaller D class lifeboat was able to go afloat to undertake training before being tasked to an incident, and luckily the second lifeboat was not required.
They added: "The parking outside Newquay RNLI had the potential to impact the station’s lifesaving capability."
"We would like to remind members of the public to follow the signage that clearly marks restricted areas and to ensure access to the lifeboat station and volunteer parking spaces is always kept clear."
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Van Blocking Newquay Lifeboat Slipway Prompts RNLI Warning