At 01:25 Falmouth Coastguard requested that Falmouth Inshore and All Weather Lifeboats be launched following a call 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.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 01:31 and headed up the Carrick Roads at best possible speed arriving on scene at the King Harry Reach at 01:42. The Inshore Lifeboat 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, which had left its pontoon berth at 01:35, arrived on scene at 01:51 and having assessed the situation agreed at 01:53 to release the Inshore Lifeboat to return to station.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 02:12 where it was refuelled, rehoused and was ready for service by 02:30.

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.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

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