At 21:27 Falmouth Coastguard requested that the Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat be launched following a number of reports from people in Portscatho reporting what appeared to be a person in difficulty in Gerrans Bay possibly holding onto a float. Portscatho Coastguard Mobile was also tasked, and in view of the failing light a helicopter from RNAS Culdrose and the Falmouth All Weather Lifeboat were requested to proceed.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 21:34, and headed at best speed around Zone Point and up towards Portscatho. At 21:43 the inshore lifeboat arrived off Portscatho and headed east towards Gull Rock on the bearing on which the object had last been seen. The inshore lifeboat soon located a lobster pot marker in the area where the casualty had been reported, and at 21:50 the Coastguard Mobile was able to confirm with the first informants that this was the right location. A quick check of the area was made before all the units were released at 21:55.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 22:16 where it was refuelled, and was ready for service by 22:33.

The particular pot marker in question had an unusual combination of float markers that could easily have been mistaken for something else in the failing light and southerly swell. This was certainly a case of a false alarm with good intent.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

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