At 14:40 Falmouth Coastguard requested that the Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat be launched following a 999 call from the occupant of a 16ft Boston Whaler reporting that his engine had failed and his anchor was dragging in heavy seas off Pendennis Point. A Rescue Helicopter from RNAS Culdrose and the Fleet Tender Meon which were exercising in Falmouth Bay and were diverted to assist.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 14:46 and made best possible speed to Pendennis Point arriving on scene at 14:49. The helicopter was hovering above the casualty, which by this time was only a few metres off the rocks with a heavy swell continuing to push it ashore.

The inshore lifeboat was taken stern first in towards the casualty and a towline was passed on the first attempt. As soon as the single occupant had secured the line the inshore lifeboat took up the strain and towed the casualty clear of the immediate danger. Once some sea room had been made, the vessels anchor was recovered and the occupant was transferred to the inshore lifeboat before the vessel was towed back into Falmouth where the boat was safely moored up at the Visitors Pontoon off North Quay at 15:25, the inshore lifeboat being then released to return to station.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 15:32 where it was refuelled, rehoused and was ready for service by 15:45.

The occupant of the boat had been fishing between Pendennis Point and Black Rock when his engine had failed. He had dropped his anchor but this had dragged in the heavy Easterly swell so he had wisely called for assistance. The inshore lifeboat arrived on scene just seconds before the boat would have been driven onto the rocks, so preventing the loss of the boat and potentially its occupant as well.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

- - - Sponsored Links - - -