Falmouth Lifeboat Crew Races to Rescue Snagged Yacht – Just in Time for the Fireworks!

A Routine Day Interrupted

On Friday, 16 August 2024, what began as a peaceful afternoon for the Falmouth Lifeboat crew quickly turned into a mission of urgency. The crew, who were enjoying a well-deserved break in the sun, were suddenly alerted by their pagers shortly before 3:45 pm. A call from HM Coastguard had come through—there was a yacht in trouble.

The 12.5-metre yacht, with two people on board, had become entangled in fishing gear approximately 2.5 nautical miles east of Zone Point. With the safety of those on board at risk, the crew sprang into action.

Swift Response to the Rescue

At 3:47 pm, the B-class lifeboat ‘Robina Nixon Chard’ was launched into the slightly choppy seas with a northwesterly wind of force 2. The lifeboat made its way swiftly to the distressed yacht, arriving at the scene by 4:10 pm.

Upon arrival, the lifeboat crew discovered that the yacht’s crew had managed to free themselves from the fishing gear. With the yacht now making slow progress back to Falmouth, the lifeboat crew decided to stay alongside them, ensuring their safe return.

A Safe Return and a Timely End

The lifeboat escorted the yacht all the way back to Falmouth, staying with the vessel until it was safely berthed at the visitor pontoons. By 5:51 pm, Falmouth Coastguard released the lifeboat crew, who returned to the boathouse by 6:00 pm.

Thanks to the lifeboat crew’s quick response and dedication, the yacht’s crew were able to return safely, and the lifeboat crew still had time to head home for tea before enjoying the evening’s Falmouth Week firework display.

If you would like to support the vital work of the Falmouth Lifeboat crew, consider donating at www.justgiving.com/campaign/Falmouth-lifeboat-station. Every contribution helps ensure they can continue their life-saving work.

This swift response by the Falmouth Lifeboat crew is another testament to their unwavering commitment to safety on the seas.