Falmouth lifeboat called out to assist in multi agency search off The Lizard
On Thursday 3 May, Falmouth’s all-weather lifeboat and crew were requested to help conduct a sea search after numerous reports of flares at sea.
The all-weather lifeboat Richard Cox-Scott launched at 09.26 and course was set for 10 miles SE of Lizard Point. Also on scene and involved in the search were the Penlee RNLI Lifeboat Ivan Ellen, Lizard RNLI Lifeboat and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924.
With good, calm weather conditions, a coordinated and systematic search of the area was conducted. After several hours of searching, nothing was found and all agencies left the scene. The Falmouth all-weather lifeboat arrived back to Falmouth station, was refuelled and ready for service at 13.05.
Multiple reports of emergency flares were made, and although this time it was a false alarm, they were made with good intent. The ‘flare sightings’ are believed to be the result of increased visible meteor activity. The RNLI urges that anyone who believes they saw a flare or anyone in distress along our coasts to call 999 promptly and ask for the Coastguard.
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
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