At 05:47 Falmouth Coastguard requested that both Falmouth Inshore and All Weather Lifeboats be launched following a 999 call from the skipper of the 36ft Motor Cruiser Seaworks reporting that it had gone aground to the East of Zone Point. Communication was poor but it was believed that the two people onboard had made it onto the rocks. Portscatho Coastguard Mobile was also tasked to assist.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 05:53 followed shortly afterwards by the All Weather Lifeboat at 05:57. The Inshore Lifeboat arrived on scene at 06:01 to find both casualties on the rocks and the Motor Cruiser lying with her starboard side to the rocks. A lifeboatman was dropped onto the rocks to check that the casualties and to access the situation. It was confirmed that apart from some minor cuts and bruises they were well, but obviously in a state of shock. The vessel was reported to be holed and was suffering further damage with each swell. At 06:10 as the All Weather Lifeboat rounded Zone Point the Motor Boat floated free from the rocks, so the Inshore Lifeboat strapped it alongside and proceeded to tow it clear of the shore and out to the All Weather Lifeboat. Once alongside the All Weather Lifeboat the lifeboat crew worked quickly to set up the salvage pump and to strap the vessel alongside to tow the boat back into Falmouth. The Inshore Lifeboat returned to the rocks and collected the two casualties who were placed onboard the All Weather Lifeboat. Despite the efforts of the crew it soon became apparent that the water level was still rising and that the boat would have to be beached. As the boat was being towed around St Anthony Lighthouse the decision was made to remove the pump and shortly afterwards the vessel was cast off as it sank by the stern. Fortunately it did not sink completely due to an air pocket in the bow so the two lifeboats then carefully towed the vessel into the shallow water off Molunan (Lighthouse) Beach. At 07:18 with nothing further that could be done both lifeboats were released to return to station, taking the two casualties with them, as there was nothing else they could do.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 07:30 where it was refuelled, rehoused and was ready for service by 07:45.

The 36ft Sealine Motor Cruiser, which had recently been imported from America, was being taken from Southampton to Crosshaven in the Republic of Ireland by a delivery skipper and was approaching Falmouth when the accident occurred. The Motor Cruiser was salvaged later that day and taken to a boat yard for the damaged to be assessed.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

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