At 01:28 Falmouth Coastguard requested that the Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat be launched following a report that a person was in difficulties in an Oyster Punt in Falmouth Harbour. His friends had seen him leave to return to Mylor but a short while later had heard shouts and had then seen red flares being fired and were obviously concerned. Falmouth Coastguard Mobile was also tasked to assist.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 01:34 and proceeded to the Prince of Wales Pier where at 01:37 his friends were located searching for him. Having obtained as much information as possible the inshore lifeboat commenced a search of the harbour and requested that the All Weather Lifeboat also be launched to assist.

At 01:45 one of the crew on the inshore lifeboat spotted a boat adrift off the Queens Wharf, and as they approached the punt the casualty could be seen in the water clinging to its bow. He was recovered from the water and at 01:47 an ambulance was requested. He was taken back to the lifeboat station where he was landed into the care of the crew on the All Weather Lifeboat, which was still alongside its pontoon, before being handed over to the Paramedics.

The inshore lifeboat then headed back out into the harbour and towed the Oyster Punt back to the lifeboat pontoon where it was safely moored at 02:00.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 02:10 where it was refuelled, and was ready for service by 02:20.

Having left to return to Mylor the engine on the Oyster Punt had failed and after firing some red mini flares, the casualty had then in desperation entered the water with the boats painter to try and swim it back to shore, but had soon succumbed to the cold and had been unable to get back onboard. When located he was semi conscious and hypothermic and certainly would not have been able to hold on for much longer.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

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