At 15:58 Falmouth Coastguard requested that Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat be launched following reports of five young children being blown out to sea in an inflatable dinghy off Carne Beach in Gerrans Bay. A Rescue Helicopter from RNAS Culdrose and the Portscatho Coastguard Mobile were also tasked to assist.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 16:04 and as it headed up to the east further information was passed by the coastguard indicating that a canoe was trying to tow the dinghy and that there was another person in the water trying to help. When the Inshore Lifeboat arrived on scene at 16:17 they found that the dinghy had been towed to the yacht Eau Devie which was anchored just offshore and the children were all safe onboard the yacht. The Inshore Lifeboat crew checked them over before transferring them back to the beach where they were handed into the care of their parents. At 16:59 having obtained details of the casualties the Inshore Lifeboat was released to return to station.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 17:28 where it was refuelled, rehoused and was ready for service by 17:50.

The five young children had been blown out to sea by a strong offshore wind. This was potentially a very serious incident that luckily had a happy ending.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

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