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Boat: All Weather Lifeboat
Crew: David Proud (Coxswain), Andy Jenkin, Tom Napper, Jonathan Hackwell, Claire Angove, Jon Jeeves, Joe Sabien, Mark Rickard, Dave Knaggs
Location: Off Black Rock, at entrance to Falmouth Harbour
Shout Date: 25/10/2009 - 11:45
Weather:SW 5 , Moderate Sea & Swell, Good Visibility, Sunny Periods

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Falmouth All Weather Lifeboat was on exercise in Falmouth Bay when at 11:45 Falmouth Coastguard requested that the lifeboat be tasked following a 999 call from the Dive Boat Bluebottle reporting that one of its divers was missing while diving close to Black Rock at the entrance to Falmouth Harbour. A Rescue Helicopter from RNAS Culdrose, Falmouth Coastguard Mobile and the Pilot Boat Arrow were also tasked to assist. Falmouth Coastguard also made a broadcast to all vessels in the area.

The All Weather Lifeboat arrived on scene off Black Rock at 11:52. The dive boat’s radio was not working so one of the divers was transferred to the lifeboat to allow the lifeboat crew to obtain more detailed information on planned dive so a search could be initiated. At 12:02 a yacht off St Anthony Lighthouse reported a possible sighting of the diver and the helicopter was soon on scene and able to confirm it was the missing diver who was then winched into the aircraft. It was confirmed that the diver was well and no medical attention was required so at 12:25 the diver was winched down to the lifeboat so he could be landed ashore. The lifeboat then headed back to its station followed by the dive boat.

The All Weather Lifeboat was back alongside its pontoon berth by 12:37, where the Coastguard Mobile obtained further details from the divers. The lifeboat was then refuelled, and was ready for service by 12:50.

The dive boat had contacted the coastguard when the diver had failed to deploy his surface marker buoy at the pre-determined time. When the diver was eventually found he had drifted over ¾ mile out into the bay and due to the sea conditions would have been very difficult to see, so the dive boats prompt action in alerting the coastguard had been very wise.