At 16:11 Falmouth Coastguard requested that Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat be launched following a 999 call from the occupant of a gaff rigged oyster punt, which had been capsized and swamped in Falmouth Bay off Rosemullion Head. Falmouth Coastguard Mobile was also tasked to assist.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 16:16 and headed across the bay locating the yacht about 200m off Rosemullion Head at 16:25. The boat was completely full of water and only being kept afloat by its buoyancy bags. In difficult conditions the casualty was taken onboard the inshore lifeboat and checked over before being wrapped up to prevent his condition deteriorating. To try and gain some sea room the boat was taken in tow using its bow line but at 16:39 the line parted and it was decided in view of the casualties condition that he should be landed at Durgan and checked over by paramedics.

The casualty was landed at Durgan at 16:46 and handed into the care of the Coastguard Mobile until the Ambulance arrived. The inshore lifeboat proceeded back into the bay and at 17:01 managed to connect its own tow line to the boat, which at that stage was only 300m off The Hutches. The boat was then towed back to the lifeboat station where it was safely moored up alongside the lifeboat pontoon at 17:54.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 18:01 where it was refuelled, rehoused and was ready for service by 18:25.

The single handed occupant of the 15ft oyster punt had been sailing back from the Helford River to Mylor when he had been caught by a large breaking wave which had capsized the boat and washed him out. He managed to hold onto the mainsheet, which he used to pull himself back onboard, but had lost his rudder and his boat was swamped. He managed to get the boat upright but was unable to bail out as the gunnels were awash. Using his mobile phone, which was kept, in a dry bag he called for assistance. He had deployed his anchor but this dragged towards the rocks at Rosemullion Head where a heavy sea was running. The occupants life had undoubtedly been at risk and the actions of the lifeboat crew not only saved him but also his boat as well. It should be noted that the boat and its occupant were well equipped but the addition of a waterproof radio would have been very advantageous.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

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