The lifeboat launched from her slipway at 5.14, arrived at the scene of Admirals Quay at 5.17 and, after a search of several minutes found the casualties sheltering onboard the yacht Valhalla. The four casualties were very cold and wet so were immediately transferred into the lifeboat and taken back to the lifeboat station where paramedics had been called to take care of them.

The lifeboat returned to the scene to collect the casualties personal belongings left on the yacht and also recovered the partially submerged dinghy, which was taken back to the boat house

There were five people in the dinghy initially. After an evening out in Falmouth they decided to row their 8ft dinghy across the harbour to Flushing, but as the dinghy was overloaded they capsized and all ended up in the water. They made several attempts to get out of the water and onto one of the many boats in the harbour but only succeeded after 20 minutes by climbing onto the deck of Valhalla. After spending approximately an hour on the yacht trying to warm themselves up without much success, one of the party decided to re-enter the water and swim for help. None of the party had been wearing lifejackets, one could not swim and all had to support themselves in the water by clinging on to the upturned dinghy. Without doubt, had it not been for the swift intervention of the lifeboat crew, there could well have been fatalities in this situation.

Notes to editors
• The crew on this rescue mission were: Dave Nicoll (Helmsman); Luke Wills and Andy Jenkin.