Falmouth RNLI volunteers at sea in force 9 conditions to grounded cargo ship
Falmouth RNLI volunteers have been afloat since 6.15am in horrendous conditions assisting a 16,000 tonne Russian cargo ship which ran aground off Gllyngvase beach earlier this morning (Tuesday 18 December).
Volunteer crews were woken abruptly to the sound of their pagers shortly after 6am, with a request from Falmouth Coastguard to launch the all-weather lifeboat Richard Cox Scott.
With coxswain John Blakeston at the command, the lifeboat proceeded to the scene off Gllynvase beach, arriving shortly after 6.20am. The lifeboat has been standing by the vessel since to ensure everyone’s safety.
The weather conditions are particularly challenging with force 7-8 winds, gusting force 9, a three metre swell and torrential rain. The conditions are expected to ease throughout the day.
The lifeboat continues to stand by and the volunteer crew are liaising with the Coastguard to assist where they can throughout the recovery of the vessel.
The volunteers have missed a day at work and have re-arranged their plans for the day to help the situation, illustrating their dedication and commitment to saving lives at sea.
The vessel was refloated at 2pm and the all-weather lifeboat returned to station shortly after 2.30pm.
The crew onboard the lifeboat were: John Blakeston, coxswain; Dave Nicoll, Luke Wills, Andy Jenkin, Tom Bird, Jonathan Hackwell and Carl Beardmore.
Notes to editors
A few photos are attached of the situation this morning off Gllyngvase. Credit RNLI/Falmouth
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