The first callout at 2.38 am was for the all weather lifeboat to rescue a lone yachtsman approximately 4-5 miles south west of the Manacles. Even before the lifeboat had completed this service the pagers were activated again at 5.07 am, this time for the inshore Atlantic class lifeboat to go to the aid of a 45 ft ketch dragging its anchor off Trefusis Point. They had barely returned from this mission, washed off and refuelled ready for use again, when they were called once more to attend to an unmanned yacht that had broken away from its mooring and gone aground near Pill Creek.

At approximately 2.45 am, on a cold, wet and blustery morning, the all weather Severn class lifeboat was on its way to a lone 72 year old yachtsman, on his way back to the UK after spending some time cruising the Mediterranean. Having been unable to get much sleep in the previous few days, due to inclement weather, the yachtsman was very fatigued and the sails on his 7 metre yacht Kingclip had blown out. The lifeboat was on scene at 3.37 am and after checking the skipper over they took him in tow and brought the yacht back to the safe haven of Falmouth Harbour, arriving just after 5.40 am.

Before the all weather lifeboat was able to get back on its mooring and make ready for immediate use the inshore lifeboat was on its way to the unmanned 45 ft ketch Tyra which had been reported as dragging its anchor off Trefusis Point. The crew were called at 5.07 am and were on their way by 5.11 am, arriving at the scene some 3-4 minutes later. The crew recovered the anchor and took the yacht in tow, anchoring her safely in the inner harbour. Returning to station at just after 6.00 am the crew washed down the lifeboat and their gear, refuelled, and reported ready for their next service at 6.20 am.

They did not have long to wait. At 6.40 the pagers were activated again for a yacht that had broken away from her mooring and been blown aground by the wind onto the beach near Pill Creek. They were on scene at 6.49 am, and this yacht, Penny Blue, a Westerly Centaur, was also unmanned. The lifeboat crew pulled her of the beach and towed her to another mooring at Loe Beach and secured her. Once they were sure she was safe the lifeboat was released back to the station where they arrived at 7.42 am, washed down, refuelled and, at 7.57 am, reported ready for action once again.
Some rather tired lifeboat crew members were then able to go home to bed or get ready for work, as circumstances dictated.

Notes to editors
• The crew involved in the first shout were; John Blakeston: Dave Proud: Andy Angove: Alan Rowe: Carl Beardmore: Andy Jenkin and Tony Partridge.
• Going to the aid of the 45 ft ketch Tyra were; Dave Nicoll (Helmsman): Mark Pollard (all weather lifeboat coxswain) and Luke Wills.
• For the final call of a busy night the crew members were: Dave Nicoll: Luke Wills and mark Rickard.