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Boat: All Weather Lifeboat
Crew: Mark Pollard (Coxswain), John Blakeston, Diane Bush, Alan Rowe, Snowy Angove, Joe Sabien
Location: King Harry Reach, River Fal
Shout Date: 04/12/2008 - 01:35
Weather:S 9, Moderate Sea & Swell, Good Visibility, Overcast with Rain

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At 01:25 Falmouth Coastguard requested that Falmouth All Weather and Inshore Lifeboats be launched following a report from the 139m Car Carrier Setubal with 22 people onboard reporting it was dragging its moorings and in danger of going aground at the King Harry Reach deep-water moorings in the River Fal. Falmouth Coastguard Mobile and the Truro Harbour Master were also tasked to assist, and the tugs from Falmouth Docks were put on standby.

Falmouth All Weather Lifeboat left its pontoon berth at 01:35 and headed up the Carrick Roads. The Inshore Lifeboat, which had launched at 01:31 arrived on scene at 01:42 and was able to report that although the vessel appeared to have moved it was still lying in the deep-water channel and was not in any immediate danger. The All Weather Lifeboat arrived on scene shortly afterwards at 01:51 and having assessed the situation agreed to release the Inshore Lifeboat to return to station.

The All Weather Lifeboat remained on scene until 03:26 when the Truro Harbour Master was able to confirm that he was happy with the situation and that the Lifeboat could be was released.

The All Weather Lifeboat was back alongside its pontoon berth by 03:57. The lifeboat was then refuelled, and was ready for service by 04:15.

The 7,351 tonne Car Carrier Setubal had recently been laid up on the deep-water moorings in the River Fal, and it appears that the ground tackle on one of the buoys had moved suddenly as the increasing wind acted against the high-sided vessel. This led the master of the vessel to believe that his vessel would be driven aground so he had rightly requested assistance, but the mooring held and no further action was required.