Inshore Lifeboat Call

Date : Tuesday 8^th December 1998

Service : Explosion onboard Barge "Harlequin"

Location : Commercial Wharf, Penryn River

Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat was launched at 05:20 to assist at the scene of an Explosion onboard the 60ft Barge "Harlequin" at Commercial Wharf, Penryn River.

The Explosion had occurred shortly before 5am and had caused severe damage to the barge, especially the superstructure. On arrival of the Fire Brigade / Police it was found that the 13 year old daughter had amazingly escaped with minor injuries, but her parents were still missing. The barge was also found to be taking water.

Once on scene the Inshore Lifeboat carried out a search of the immediate area, and assisted the Fire Brigade with their Rescue efforts. A helicopter from Culdrose was also requested to provide divers as the barge had settled on the river bed with minimal freeboard and a rising tide.

But sadly even after valiant efforts were made by the Fire Brigade and other Rescue Services to clear the debris and gain access into the vessel, the bodies of the two missing people were located within the bow section of the barge.

The Inshore Lifeboat remained on scene until it was confirmed that only three people had been onboard the barge, and that all the rescue personnel were safely off the vessel. The Inshore Lifeboat was rehoused and ready for service by 07:30

Helmsman : Snowey Angove

Crew : Dave Nicoll & David Proud

Weather : SSW 4, Slight Sea, Moderate Visibility, Overcast with Rain



Royal National Lifeboat Institution