The Falmouth RNLI Volunteer crew launched their Atlantic inshore lifeboat at 3:46 pm and sped up the river arriving on scene at 3:58. The woman was quickly located clinging to a tree approximately 300m upstream of the ferry. She had her dog on her shoulders. One of the volunteer lifeboatmen entered the water to go to her aid whilst the helmsman manoeuvred the Atlantic Rigid Inflatable Boat as close as possible to the woman and her dog. In no time at all they were taken on board, and the lifeboat then took them to the quay at King Harry Ferry where they were checked over to confirm that no injuries had been sustained and medical assistance was not required. The rescued woman was met by her husband who had been keeping a watching brief on her from the shore and giving her encouragement to hang on. It was he who had made the 999 call to the coastguard to alert the lifeboat.

At just after 4:15 pm the lifeboat was released to return to station where it was washed down, refuelled and ready for service again at 4:48 pm.

The couple had been walking their two dogs along the woodland walk when one of the dogs slipped and fell into the water. In going to assist the dog the woman also slipped down the rocks and into the water. She was unable to clamber up the sheer slippery rocks so she clung to a tree and awaited the arrival of the lifeboat. Her husband had dialled 999 to alert the authorities and then stayed in position to help guide the lifeboat to his wife when it arrived.

Notes to editors
• The volunteer lifeboat crew on this mission were: Sandy Proctor (helmsman); Dave Nicoll and Tom Bird.