At 18:00 Falmouth Coastguard requested that Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat be launched following an incomplete 999 call reporting two people caught in a rip current at Maenporth Beach. A Rescue Helicopter from RNAS Culdrose and the Falmouth Coastguard Mobile were also tasked to assist.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 18:04 and arrived on scene off Maenporth at 18:10. An initial search of the area outside the surf line was by the Inshore Lifeboat commenced while the helicopter concentrated on the beach and surf. Shortly afterwards at 18:15 the Coastguard received another 999 call confirming that both people were out of water and apart from a few cuts and gazes they did not need any medical attention.

In view of the heavy surf it was decided to leave the Coastguard mobile to obtain details and the Inshore Lifeboat was released to return to station at 18:20.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 18:40 where it was refuelled, rehoused and was ready for service by 19:00.

The woman had got caught in a rip current on the south side of Maenporth Beach and her partner had gone into the water to assist. By swimming across the rip current they managed to make it to the rocks and struggled back to the beach where the Coastguard Mobile met them.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service