Falmouth RNLI volunteers in action again
On Monday 1st August at six minutes past 1:00 pm both Falmouth Inshore and all-weather lifeboats were requested to assist in the search for three divers overdue from the dive boat Celtic Kitten.
The inshore lifeboat was first on the scene at 1:42 pm followed some three minutes later by the all-weather lifeboat. Both boats commenced the search for the missing divers. Having got themselves detached from their dive boat the divers had managed to swim ashore and it was not long before they were spotted on the shore line at Lowland Point by the Lizard lifeboat crew.
The Coastguard Helicopter landed to confirm that medical attention was not required, the divers then walked to Dean Quarry where they were picked up by the Celtic Kitten. The inshore lifeboat stood by until the dive boat recovered the divers.
The all-weather lifeboat was released at 1:54pm and the inshore at 2:32pm.
Three minutes later, at 1:57pm, the all-weather lifeboat was re-tasked to go to the 26ft yacht Tamsin which was suffering engine failure and needed a tow back to Falmouth Harbour. The yacht had anchored off Coverack but then could not start her engine and because of the weather conditions and being on a lee shore had requested assistance. She was towed to Falmouth Haven where she was safely moored up.
The all-weather lifeboat was released to return to station at 4:05pm, and after a wash down and refuel she was ready for service at 4:25pm.
In the meantime, at 3:32pm, the inshore lifeboat was re-tasked to go to the aid of a vessel dragging its anchor off Trefusis Point. The lifeboat went alongside the 33ft Westerly, put a crewman onboard to assist in hoisting the yacht’s anchor, towed her away from the danger and secured her on a visitor mooring off Trefusis. The vessel had no electrics as the battery was charged by a solar panel and conditions were no good for charging as it was raining.
The inshore lifeboat returned to her slipway at 4:45, and after washing down and refuelling she was made ready for service again by 5:09 pm.
Notes to editors
• The crew members involved in these callouts were: John Blakeston (Coxswain); Diane Bush; Dave Nicoll; Luke Wills; Jonathan Hackwell; Jamie Connoly and Adrian Hingston.
• The inshore lifeboat was manned by: Clare Angove (Helmsman); Tom Telford and Jamie Wakefield.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact; Gerry Gearon, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01326 212438, [email protected]; or Emma Haines, Public Relations Manager South West on 01752 850689, [email protected]; or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.