Late-Night Callouts and a Stricken Yacht: Falmouth Lifeboat Volunteers Face Busy Start to May

Volunteer crew at Falmouth RNLI have faced a demanding start to the month, with two recent call outs within just a few days.

Engine Failure Near the Manacles

On Thursday 1st May 2025, the station’s relief Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched to assist a small yacht in difficulty near the Manacles. The vessel, which had suffered engine failure and become becalmed, was being sailed single-handedly.

The sailor had managed to drop anchor but was concerned it would not hold in the deep water. The lifeboat arrived at the scene at 7.00pm, just 27 minutes after launching. One crew member was transferred to the yacht to prepare it for a tow.

The lifeboat successfully towed the vessel to the Helford River, where it was secured to a mooring. The crew then returned to the lifeboat station, arriving back at 8.20pm. By 9.00pm, the boat was washed down, refuelled and ready for service once again.

Early Hours Search at Custom House Quay

Just three days later, in the early hours of Sunday 4th May 2025, the lifeboat was launched again. This time, police requested assistance shortly before 2.00am to search for a person reported to be in the water near Custom House Quay.

Fortunately, the casualty was found safe and well and the lifeboat was stood down. The volunteer crew returned to the boathouse at 2.30am, where they were able to get some well-earned rest after another demanding shift.