Dramatic Evening Rescues: Falmouth Lifeboat Saves Seven in Two Separate Incidents

Photo Credit:Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team

Falmouth Lifeboat Crew Responds to Two Emergencies in One Evening

In a busy day for the RNLI Falmouth, the volunteer crew responded to two call outs on Sunday, 26 May 2024, marking their 30th shout of the year. The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, ‘Robina Nixon Chard,’ was dispatched twice within hours to assist seven individuals in distress.

First Incident: Stranded Inflatable Boat

The first call for assistance came at 5.49 pm when HM Coastguard alerted the crew to a small inflatable boat with three people on board, broken down off Porthbeor Beach on the Roseland Peninsula. The lifeboat launched at 6.00 pm into smooth seas with a south-easterly force three wind.

By 6.35 pm, the crew had located the stranded vessel and safely transferred the three occupants to the lifeboat. After attaching a tow line, the crew returned the casualty to Mylor. The Falmouth Coastguard provided safety advice before releasing the lifeboat at 7.20 pm, and the crew returned to the station by 7.30 pm for refuelling and cleaning.

Second Incident: Four Cut Off by Tide

As the crew returned home, their pagers went off again with a second call at 8.22 pm. This time, reports indicated four individuals cut off by the tide on the western side of Pendennis Headland, one of whom had a potential leg injury. The Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team was also dispatched.

The lifeboat launched promptly and arrived on the scene shortly after. Two crew members went ashore to assess the situation and provided casualty care to the injured individual. The decision was made to transport the three uninjured individuals to safety at Castle Beach, where the Coastguard Rescue Team awaited.

With the remaining casualty requiring evacuation, two Coastguard team members boarded the lifeboat to assist. The injured person was placed on a stretcher and transferred back to the lifeboat, which returned to the boathouse and handed the casualty over to the waiting ambulance crew. The lifeboat was finally released at 9.30 pm, allowing the crew to return home for a well-deserved rest.

Support Falmouth Lifeboat Station

The RNLI Falmouth lifeboat station relies on public support to continue their lifesaving work. Donations can be made through their JustGiving campaign at www.justgiving.com/campaign/falmouth-lifeboat-station.

Stay Safe on the Water

These incidents highlight the importance of safety precautions while enjoying coastal and marine activities. The RNLI and Coastguard continue to provide invaluable services, ensuring the safety of all who venture onto the water.