At 10:35 Falmouth Coastguard requested that Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat be launched following reports of a capsized Pico Sailing Dinghy off Trefusis Point with no sign of its occupant. Falmouth Coastguard Mobile and other vessels including Harbour Launch Killigrew and a Rigid Inflatable from Falmouth Sailing School were also tasked to assist.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 10:41 and arrived on scene at 10:44. An initial search of the area was commenced but it was soon confirmed that the single occupant of the dinghy had been recovered by a passing tender from the Merchant Vessel Polar Explorer, which had then landed the casualty at the Grove Place Dinghy Park. The Inshore Lifeboat was then tasked to right the dinghy and tow it back to the dinghy park where it was safely landed at 11:18. Once the Inshore Lifeboat crew had handed the boat back to its owner and given him safety advise they were released to return to station.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 11:25 where it was refuelled, rehoused and was ready for service by 11:40.

The Pico had left the shelter of the Inner Harbour 30 mins earlier despite the prevailing weather conditions, and without its occupant wearing either a buoyancy aid or wet suit. When he was recovered he was suffering from the effects of the cold and should consider himself very lucky to have been spotted otherwise the outcome of this incident could have had a tragic ending.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

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