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Boat: All Weather Lifeboat
Crew: Mark Pollard (Coxswain), David Proud, Mark Waters, Marc Thomas, Carl Beardmore, Andy Jenkin, Luke Tudor
Location: Off Durgan in the Helford River
Shout Date: 08/09/2006 (All day)
Weather:SE 5, Rough Sea, Good Visibility, Sunny Periods

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At 14:41 Falmouth Coastguard requested that Falmouth Inshore and All weather Lifeboats be launched following reports of a red flare being fired at the entrance to the Helford River, between Gillan Creek and Durgan. The Falmouth Coastguard Mobile was also tasked to assist.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 14:47, the All Weather leaving its pontoon berth shortly afterwards at 14:49. The Inshore Lifeboat made best possible speed across Falmouth Bay despite a rough southeasterly sea, arriving on scene in the Helford River at 14:58.

It was soon established that the flare had been fired by the occupant of an 8ft punt, which had been swamped while trying to return ashore from a moored vessel. Both the owner and his dog had ended up in the water and eventually were driven ashore at Trebah Beach in Polgwidden Cove. A lifeboat crewman was landed ashore to check that no medical assistance was required and to obtain further details.

The All Weather Lifeboat arrived in the Helford River at 15:14, and stood by until 15:24 when the Inshore Lifeboat confirmed that no further assistance was required, the All Weather Lifeboat being released to return to station. At 15:33 the Inshore Lifeboat had recovered its crewman and it was also released to return to station.

The casualty and his dog had been returning ashore from their moored boat when the punt they were in became swamped due to the adverse weather conditions. Luckily the two of them were wearing lifejackets and the owner also carried distress flares with him, which he used to attract attention, while he clung to the swamped punt. These simple safety measures certainly prevented this becoming a much more serious situation, leaving the casualty and his dog, wet and rather embarrassed, but still alive.

The All Weather Lifeboat was back alongside its pontoon berth by 15:50. The lifeboat was then refuelled, and was ready for service by 16:10.