At 21:26 Falmouth Coastguard requested that the Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat be launched following a report of two people cut off by the tide on the south side of Hemmick Beach. Mevagissey Coastguard Rescue Team was also tasked to assist.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 21:33, arriving on scene at 22:02. The Coastguard Team who were above the casualties were unable to recover them to the cliff top and requested the Inshore Lifeboat look at the feasibility of recovering them onto the inshore lifeboat. By this time all remaining daylight had gone and it was difficult to locate the casualties, but they were eventually located on the rocks between two gullies.

Due to the 4-6ft ground swell that was running, it was decided that the only way of recovering the two casualties was for the inshore lifeboat to drop its anchor and then veer back into the gully. The Coastguard Team had limited lighting available so they used parachute flares to help illuminate the scene. The inshore lifeboat was then taken slowly back into the gully where the two casualties were waiting. The first casualty was asked to move down closer to the water, but as the inshore lifeboat approached a wave washed over her, and she jumped into the inshore lifeboat landing on one of the crew. The boat was repositioned while the crew prepared to receive the second casualty and once ready manoeuvred back in towards the rocks so he could jump onboard. Having got both casualties onboard the inshore lifeboat eased its way out of the gully before recovering its anchor, a task that was completed by 22:34.

The inshore lifeboat then proceeded to Portscatho where the two casualties were handed into the care of the Coastguard at 23:37, the inshore lifeboat departing for Falmouth at 23:49.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 00:14 where it was refuelled, and was ready for service by 00:35.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

- - - Sponsored Links - - -