Falmouth RNLI volunteers battle Storm Goretti to assist people in difficulty
RNLI volunteers from Falmouth lifeboat station were tasked last night during the peak of Storm Goretti to assist a number of people in difficulty aboard vessels.
As the county was battered by hurricane strength winds during a Met Office rare red weather warning, the pagers sounded for Falmouth RNLI volunteers as a number of vessels were breaking free from their moorings with people aboard.
Volunteers were paged at around 7.10pm and launched their Shannon class lifeboat in horrendous conditions. The crew worked alongside Falmouth pilot vessel, Falmouth Harbour and Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team for three hours to assist people in difficulty. In total Falmouth RNLI volunteers responded to seven separate incidents.
Conditions were incredibly difficult with north westerly winds reaching hurricane strength, large waves in the harbour and driving rain and hail.
Coxswain Nick Head said: ‘The conditions were very tricky with 90mph winds, torrential rain and hail, and it was certainly the worst weather conditions I’ve been out in as coxswain.’
The lifeboat pontoon suffered some damage, as did many other structures around the harbour. The lifeboat remains on service and operational.
Dickon Berriman, RNLI Area Operations Manager, said: ‘While most of us were in the warmth and safety of our homes last night, our dedicated volunteer crews spent hours at sea in the dark helping people in difficulty, contending with horrendous conditions brought on by Storm Goretti, the worst Cornwall has seen in many years. Their courage, selflessness and dedication is incredible.
‘While the worst of the weather has passed through, we would urge vessel owners to make sure their anchor and mooring lines are secure and also to check local weather and wind reports prior to planning any passages.’
Although the weather has settled, the storm has caused large swells at sea, and various debris around the coastline.
If visiting the coast, people are encouraged to stay a safe distance from wet and slippery edges, let someone know where you are going and carry a means of calling for help.
If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice is float to live:
- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
- Relax and try to breathe normally
- Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
- It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
- Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
If you see someone else in trouble at the coast, remember Call, Tell, Throw:
- Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help
- Tell the struggling person to float on their back
- Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 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.