Fisherman survives fall overboard by clinging to nets for five miles

11-year-old raises alarm after vessel crashes into wall of Newlyn Pier in Cornwall

A fisherman who fell overboard five miles from land has survived after he managed to grab hold of his nets as his boat dragged him back to shore.

Nathan Rogers, 40, fell from his boat while repositioning his fishing gear five miles from Newlyn on Cornwall’s south coast.

An 11-year-old boy reportedly raised the alarm when he spotted the man trailing behind the boat, which was in gear with the autopilot set to return to Newlyn, and had dragged Mr Rogers all the way back to shore before crashing into the wall of the town’s south pier.

Penlee Lifeboat station said the captain of another vessel also saw the boat crash and immediately went to help Mr Rogers out of the water before the lifeboat, which was already helping a broken down crabbing boat nearby, arrived at the scene.

Mr Rogers was treated for hypothermia as soon as he was aboard the lifeboat, and an RNLI crew member drove Mr Rogers’ boat back to Newlyn Harbour.

The lifeboat headed straight to Newlyn to meet with an ambulance which took Mr Rogers to hospital. He is now recovering at home.

On Facebook, a relative of Mr Rogers, Sarah Rogers, said: “Nathan is home and well, we would like to thank the crew of the lifeboat especially David Pascoe for returning his boat safely and Lee Harvey who arrived there first.”

RNLI Coxswain Patch Harvey told news agency SWNS: “I would like to praise the actions of 11-year-old Louis-Matisse who was on the beach at Sandy Cove.

“He saw that there was someone struggling in the water and told his Dad who immediately called 999 and reported the incident to the coastguards.

“I would also like to thank the skipper of the Dream Catcher for his help and assistance on both shouts.

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“There is no doubt that his prompt actions have helped to save a life - well done to all involved.”