The Coastguard called for the launch of both lifeboats at 5.47 am today, and within eight minutes they were on their way to the casualty just off the harbour entrance. The motor launch was travelling from Southampton to Falmouth, where she was due to refuel before setting off on the second leg of her delivery journey. There were two persons in the crew, one of whom was down below taking a rest when the vessel struck the rocks at an estimated speed of 15/16 knots. The impact caused a split in the hull and she started to take on water.

The lifeboats arrived on the scene within minutes of launch and the survivors were transferred to the all weather lifeboat where they were comforted and checked for any injuries. Apart from some minor cuts and bruises received at impact, both were fit and well, but much shaken up and shocked. The inshore lifeboat set about towing the stricken vessel toward the shore where she could be safely beached but due to the amount of water in the boat by this time the tow proved to be too heavy and had to be abandoned in about 5 or 6 metres of water.

The Motor launch then sank from view with just a small portion of the bow above water. The lifeboats returned to Falmouth Lifeboat Station with the survivors at approximately 7.30 am, where both boats were then made ready for immediate launch again.

Notes to editors
• Dave Nicolls, the senior helmsman, gave a live on air interview with BBC Radio Cornwall just after 8.00 am describing the rescue in detail.
• A photograph of the rescue of the stricken vessel is attached.
• The inshore lifeboat crew were: Dave Nicolls (Helm), Oliver Lewis and Joe Saviem.
• The all weather crew were: John Blakeston (Cox’n), Dave Proud, Diane Bush, John Hockwell, Tom Napper, Nick Lewis, Andy Jenkins and Snowy Angove.