At 01:37 Falmouth Coastguard requested that both Falmouth Inshore and Offshore Lifeboats be launched following reports of a Motor Cruiser on fire alongside the visitors pontoon just above Turnaware Point in the River Fal. The Portscatho Coastguard Mobile along with Fire Brigade units from St Mawes, Truro and Falmouth were tasked to assist.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 01:43 and as they headed up the Carrick Roads towards Turnaware Point a large plume of smoke could be seen silhouetted against the night sky. Shortly afterwards the Coastguard advised that the two people from the motor cruiser were safe onboard the Yacht You Go which had also been moored on the pontoon, but was now heading down river. The Inshore Lifeboat met up with the yacht off Pill Buoy at 01:53, and having confirmed that everyone from the motor cruiser was accounted for they obtained details of the boat including the gas bottles and flares, which were still onboard. By this stage the motor cruiser was well alight and burning from bow to stern.

The Inshore Lifeboat was then tasked to check that there was no one else onboard the other vessels moored nearby. Once this had been done they proceeded to Turnaware Point where they briefed the fire brigade and stood by to assist as required. The All Weather Lifeboat dropped off a first aider and oxygen onto the yacht before continuing to the scene, where the inshore lifeboat transferred a number of fire brigade personnel onto the lifeboat to assist in accessing how best to tackle the fire.

The Inshore Lifeboat then assisted as required until the fire was under control, and the motor cruiser had been towed by the Harbour Masters launch to Turnaware Point where it was beached to allow the fire brigade better access. The Inshore Lifeboat being released to return to station at 03:18.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 03:31 where it was refuelled, rehoused and was ready for service by 03:50.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

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