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Boat: All Weather Lifeboat
Crew: David Proud (Coxswain), Alistair Heane, Nick Lewis, Tom Bird, Andy Jenkin, Tom Napper, Nathan Woodcock
Location: Ponsontuel Creek, Helford River
Shout Date: 17/07/2006 (All day)
Weather:SE 2, Moderate Sea, Good Visibility, Sunny

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At 10:32 Falmouth Coastguard requested that Falmouth All Weather Lifeboat be launched following a request from the Fire Brigade for assistance with a fire onboard a derelict 45ft boat in the Helford River. The boat was in Ponsontuel Creek, opposite the Gweek Seal Sanctuary where access is very limited, and there was concern that someone may have been onboard the boat. Porthoustock Coastguard Mobile was also tasked to assist.

The All Weather Lifeboat left its pontoon berth at 10:42, and arrived at the mouth of the Helford River at 11:00. The lifeboats inflatable Y-Boat was then launched off Polgwidden Cove and proceeded at best speed up the Helford River while the lifeboat followed at reduced speed. At 11:15 the Y-Boat arrived on scene at Ponsontuel Creek, but found that the fire brigade had already managed to borrow a local boat and were able to confirm there was no one onboard the boat. The lifeboat by this time had reached Groyne Point, half way the Helford River and remained there until it recovered its Y-Boat at 11:35. The lifeboat then headed back down river, clearing the entrance of the Helford at 11:55 and heading back to station.

The cause of the fire was unknown and once the fire brigade had confirmed there was no one onboard they then allowed the fire to burn itself out.

The All Weather Lifeboat was back alongside its pontoon berth by 12:20. The lifeboat was then refuelled, and was ready for service by 12:35.