At 11:21 Falmouth Coastguard requested that both the Falmouth Inshore and All Weather 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.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 11:27 and was heading out towards Governor Buoy when at 11:33 the Coastguard advised that the helicopter had spotted a kayaker off Mylor Harbour and requested that the Inshore Lifeboat investigate. The Inshore Lifeboat arrived on scene with the kayaker at 11:38 and was able to confirm that he had been in the area of Governor Buoy at the appropriate time.

In view of the weather conditions it was decided that the Inshore Lifeboat should escort the Kayaker back towards Falmouth. The All Weather Lifeboat, which had launched at 11:31 and the helicopter were then released to return to their bases while the Coastguard Mobile was tasked to meet the Kayaker on his return to the Dinghy Park at Falmouth. The kayaker made good speed on his return journey and was safely ashore at the Dinghy Park by 12:10.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 12:15 where it was refuelled, rehoused and was ready for service by 12:30.

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.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

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