At 06:29 Falmouth Coastguard requested that both the Falmouth Inshore and All Weather Lifeboats be launched following a 999 call from the skipper of the Fishing Boat Lady Hamilton reporting that she had been in a collision with an unknown object 2 miles South of Pendennis Point and was taking on water. A broadcast was made to shipping the area and the Pilot Boat Arrow immediately responded.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 06:34, the All Weather Lifeboat leaving its pontoon berth at 06:36. The pilot boat Arrow arrived on scene very quickly and took the three people off before trying to take the fishing boat in tow. The inshore lifeboat arrived on scene at 06:40 just as the Lady Hamilton turned over and sank.

The All Weather Lifeboat arrived on scene at 06:49 and the casualties were transferred from the pilot boat to the lifeboat. Both boats then carried out a search of the area to recover debris and to try and identify the source of the collision, one theory being a large tree trunk, which had been reported in the area.

Once this had been completed both lifeboats headed to the Helford River where the casualties and debris were landed ashore, both boat being released to return to station at 08:19.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 08:45 where it was refuelled, and was ready for service by 09:00.

The skipper of the Lady Hamilton had been unable to use his radio due to the extent of damage to the vessel and its wheelhouse. All three onboard the fishing boat are lucky to be alive, thanks to the quick response of the pilot boat and its crew. Although at first it was believed that the fishing boat may have hit a large log which was later recovered by the Coastguard Towing Vessel Anglian Princess, it later transpired that another fishing boat Blithe Spirit had also suffered extensive damage in a similar collision in the same area. This vessel had limped back to Falmouth after its skipper suffered head injuries and is believed to have been unconscious for an unknown period of time. The Marine Accident Investigation Board (MIAB) is carrying out an inquiry into what may have happened.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

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