Fowey lifeboat searches for overdue yacht
At 6:20pm on Monday October 14, Fowey volunteer crew launched their D class inshore lifeboat in response to a request from Falmouth Coastguard.
They were tasked with searching the extent of Fowey Harbour for an overdue 27’ sailing yacht with one person on board. The vessel had departed from Plymouth on Saturday night around midnight, and was destined for Falmouth, but had apparently not arrived.
A search was carried out as darkness fell, starting where the River Fowey forks out to Lostwithiel and Lerryn. The entire river down to the harbour entrance was searched but there was no trace of the yacht. At 7:50pm the crew were stood down by Falmouth Coastguard and returned to base.
It is important to always tell someone where you’re going and when you aim to arrive, particularly when sailing alone. Always carry a means of calling for help and consider having an additional method like the SafeTrx app. This can be used to plan your voyage and can alert the coastguard if you’re overdue.
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.