RNLB Rose launched on service at 0634hrs and arrived on scene at 0642hrs.
Upon arrival on scene it was clear that the three casualties had now abandoned to a life raft. The casualty vessel was taking on water at a considerable rate, semi submerged and was going down bow first. Use of the portable pump was initially considered but having arrived on scene was deemed not viable and priorities were to the three casualties in the life raft.
The smaller Y-boat was deployed with 2 lifeboat crew on board to assist the casualties. They proceeded to tow the life raft with the casualties on board back to the lifeboat where they were assessed prior to boarding RNLB Rose. Once the casualties were on board, the Y-boat went back to the motor vessel and tied the life raft to it to act as a temporary marker along with a buff. The Y boat then returned to the lifeboat.
With one casualty having sustained a head injury and in need of immediate medical attention, a decision was made to take the casualties to Coverack. There they were met by the Coastguard Rescue Team who would care for the casualties whilst awaiting the arrival of an ambulance. By this time, it was ascertained that another of the three persons on board the stricken vessel had suffered a potential broken arm and was also in need of medical attention.
Once the casualties were safely transferred in to the care of the Porthoustock Coastguard Rescue Team, RNLB Rose returned to the scene. In the interim, Falmouth Coastguard had requested the ILB from Falmouth to attend the casualty vessel to assist with further location details. Sadly, by this time the motor vessel had sunk and was unsalvageable by the attending lifeboat crews.
The motor vessel’s life raft was deflated and taken aboard the Falmouth ILB. RNLB Rose then collected any 'flotsam' that had become detached from the vessel and was also asked to assess and report any pollution which may be caused by its sinking.
As the motor vessel had drifted a short distance prior to sinking, Falmouth Coastguard were updated with the vessel’s new location and the lifeboats 'buff' was replaced with a more visible marker to aid marine traffic in the area. RNLB Rose then left the scene at 0927hrs returning to the lifeboat station at 0945hrs where she was re-housed, refuelled made ready for service at 1030hrs
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.
