Fowey’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat diverted from procession to drifting inflatable
On Friday 1 August, at 3:54pm, as Fowey RNLI bid farewell to their Trent lifeboat flanked by lifeboats from Plymouth, Falmouth and Looe, Falmouth Coastguard requested lifeboat assistance.
They had received a 999 call for assistance for a 3m inflatable boat with two people on board that was drifting in 4/5 offshore winds at Maenease Point, near Gorran Haven.
In their second shout of the week, since their new relief Atlantic 85 lifeboat went on service, Fowey’s volunteer crew made best speed to the scene. Falmouth lifeboat arrived on scene just before them and transferred the two casualties to their lifeboat and then took the vessel in tow for the short journey to Gorran Haven.
It was the first shout on the Atlantic 85 for father and son, Martin and Ross Jezard and Ross’s first shout as helm on the 85.
RNLI safety advice is that inflatables can be great fun when they’re used safely. But every summer, they’re one of the most common reasons our volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards are called to action.
Inflatables are not designed for the beach and it’s very easy to get swept out to sea, especially in offshore winds. Always choose a lifeguarded beach if using an inflatable and use it close to shore and between the red and yellow flags. Make sure children are supervised at all times and never use inflatables in big waves or when orange the windsock is flying.
If you see someone in trouble call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
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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