At 13:33 Falmouth Coastguard requested that the Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat be launched following reports of a 21ft Fletcher Speed Boat aground on Black Rock with two adults and two children onboard.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 13:40, arriving on scene at Black Rock at 13:45. A lifeboat crewman was placed ashore to assess the situation and it soon became apparent that the speedboat was hard aground and any attempt to tow it off would have to wait until the tide turned. So the inshore lifeboat dropped anchor to await the incoming tide. At 16:05 their was sufficient water to attempt refloating the speed boat so the inshore lifeboat recovered its anchor and placed a tow line onboard the casualty to hold it steady. Once it was afloat the towline was dropped and after checking for any damage the inshore lifeboat escorted the speedboat back to Mylor, before heading back to station.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 16:30 where it was refuelled, and was ready for service by 16:50.

The speedboat had ventured close to Black Rock to observe the local seal population when it had been caught out by the shallow nature of the reef. The occupants of the boat were all wearing lifejackets and had all the required safety equipment but were rather embarrassed by being caught out on a falling tide.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

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