---

Boat: Inshore Lifeboat
Crew: Dave Nicoll (Helmsman), Luke Wills, Tom Bird
Location: Off Gillan Creek at the mouth of Helford River
Shout Date: 01/09/2009 - 15:46
Weather:SW 8, Rough Sea & Moderate Swell, Good Visibility, Sunny Periods and Showers

---

At 15:41 Falmouth Coastguard requested that Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat be launched following a report from the NCI Lookout at Nare Head of a number of dinghies and other craft struggling in the adverse weather conditions with the wind gusting in excess of 40 knots.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her from her slipway at 15:46 and after a rough passage across Falmouth Bay arrived on scene at the mouth of the Helford River at 15:52. A Topper Dinghy could be seen struggling to make it back into Gillan Creek and other boats were seen against the rocks under Dennis Head. Having assessed the situation the Topper was escorted back into the shelter of the creek before the Inshore Lifeboat went and assisted with the recovery of a Laser Dinghy and two Windsurfers. Three of the casualties were transferred to the lifeboat while the other two following towed the boats and equipment back to Gillan Creek using their tender. Once all were safely ashore at the beach at St Anthony-in-Meneage the Inshore Lifeboat was released to return to station at 16:28.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 16:51 where it was refuelled, rehoused and was ready for service by 17:11.

Two families who were on holiday had been afloat in two Laser Dinghies, three Topper Dinghies, two windsurfers and two kayaks afloat. As they left the shelter of the Creek they had been exposed to the full effect of the wind, which had been building all afternoon. When one of the Laser dinghies tiller had snapped some of the party had taken shelter under Dennis Head while the rest made their way back into the creek. Although they were well equipped with full safety equipment they had not been fully aware of the deteriorating weather and had been caught out, so were very grateful for the assistance of the Inshore Lifeboat.