Fowey RNLI called to two rescues on Mevagissey Lifeboat Day
At 1.50pm, as Fowey all-weather Trent class lifeboat was being prepared to leave Fowey Harbour to attend Mevagissey Lifeboat Day, it was tasked by Falmouth Coastguard to a report of a small boat in difficulty with two people onboard and drifting near rocks on the east side of Lantivet Bay.
On arrival, the volunteer crew members attached a small line on the boat to pull it clear of the rocks and then made fast a secure tow for the trip back into Fowey Harbour. When nearly back at Fowey with the tow, the lifeboat was tasked again by Falmouth Coastguard.
On entering the harbour, the Fowey Harbour Commissioners took over the tow and the two people from the broken-down boat.
The second tasking was to a small vessel aground in a cove at Chapel Point. The cove was too rocky and shallow for the all-weather lifeboat to get close so the XP inflatable was deployed and two crew members took one of the lifeboat’s breeches buoy veering lines to attach to the vessel in difficulty. The vessel was then towed clear of the cove into which it had been blown after engine failure.
The all-weather lifeboat then towed the vessel back to Fowey, where the lifeboat was then refuelled and made ready for service again by 6pm.
The volunteer crew of The Maurice and Joyce Hardy extend their apologies to the people of Mevagissey for being unable to attend their Lifeboat Day, although the reason behind their absence demonstrated just how vital the RNLI’s lifeboats are.
Mechanical failure accounts for nearly 20% of all the RNLI lifeboat launches. In the summer months especially, after boats have been inactive throughout the winter, it is recommended that owners should run an engine test before undertaking their first trip to make sure all is well. The RNLI always advises those going sailing to wear an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid and take a means of calling for help in case the vessel gets into difficulty.
Notes to editors
- See attached a photo of the Fowey RNLI lifeboat towing the vessel in difficulty
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For more information please contact Cath Beard, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Fowey RNLI on 07969 693218. For urgent calls out of hours please contact the Regional Media Officer, Emma Haines 01752 854457 or 07786 668847 or the Duty RNLI Press Officer on 01202 336789.
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