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Boat: All Weather Lifeboat
Crew: Mark Pollard (Coxswain), David Proud, John Blakeston, Alistair Heane, Carl Beardmore, Diane Bush, Joe Sabien
Location: Off Governor Buoy, Carrick Roads
Shout Date: 05/07/2008 (All day)
Weather:S 9, Rough Sea & Swell, Moderate Visibility, Overcast with Heavy Rain

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At 11:21 Falmouth Coastguard requested that both the Falmouth All Weather and Inshore Lifeboats be launched following reports from the public that they had lost sight of a Kayaker who had last been seen near the Governor Buoy in the Carrick Roads. Conditions in the entrance to the harbour were very poor with the wind gusting over 40 knots. The Falmouth Coastguard Mobile was also tasked to assist along with a helicopter from RNAS Culdrose, which was already on exercise in the area.

Falmouth All Weather Lifeboat left its pontoon berth at 11:31 and started to head out of the harbour. At 11:33 the Inshore Lifeboat, which was already heading for Governor Buoy was tasked to investigate a Kayaker spotted off Mylor Harbour by the Helicopter. As soon as it was confirmed that this was the missing Kayaker the All Weather Lifeboat and Helicopter were released while the Inshore Lifeboat escorted the Kayaker back to the Dinghy Park at Falmouth.

The All Weather Lifeboat was back alongside its pontoon berth by 11:42. The lifeboat was then refuelled, and was ready for service by 11:50.

Although the Kayaker was very experienced and well equipped, he had failed to advise the Coastguard of his planned journey, and also did not have a VHF handheld radio which would have allowed him to hear the broadcasts for information that the Coastguard were making. He was suitably embarrassed by the whole incident and will certainly do this next time.