At 13:20 Falmouth Coastguard requested that both Falmouth Inshore and All Weather Lifeboats be launched following a distress call from the yacht Two Son’s with three persons onboard had reported that it was taking on water and was in danger of sinking 4 miles South of Falmouth. A number of vessels including a rigid inflatable also proceeded to assist.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 13:23 and arrived on scene at 13:31. A crewman was put onboard the yacht and was able to confirm that the yachts bilge pump was reducing the water level and that there was no obvious signs of water ingress. Once the All Weather Lifeboat arrived on scene at 13:38 two additional lifeboat crew were transferred to the yacht by the Inshore Lifeboat, which then took off two of the yachts occupants including a young lad, before putting them on the All Weather Lifeboat.

Both Lifeboats then escorted the yacht back towards Falmouth while the lifeboat crew investigated the source of the leak, which was eventually traced to a faulty pipe from the sink. Once in the harbour at 14:36 the two casualties were transferred back to the yacht and the All Weather Lifeboat was released to return to station while the Inshore Lifeboat continued to escort the yacht up the Penryn River. At 14:48 the yacht moored up off Sailors Creek to await the incoming tide, which would allow it to reach it’s mooring in the Penryn River so the Inshore Lifeboat was released to return to its station.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 15:03 where it was refuelled, rehoused and was ready for service by 15:18.

The 26ft Yacht Two Son’s had been out sailing in Falmouth Bay with two adults and a child onboard when the skipper had gone below and found the water was over a foot above the cabin floor. He switched on the bilge pump and immediately contacted the Coastguard to request assistance. Having lowered his sails he managed to start the inboard engine and headed back towards Falmouth at best speed. On investigation it was found that the pipe taking the sink waste had split and while the boat was healing over under sail the water had poured in. Luckily by dropping its sails the boat righted and this stopped the ingress so the bilge pump was able to clear to water.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

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