The RNLI have detailed the action taken yesterday during the race to rescue a woman from a car that had gone into the River Fal at the King Harry Ferry.

Cick here for pictures and report as it happened

Falmouth RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew’s were alerted to the incident with both the inshore and the all weather boats were tasked to attend. The ALB was manned and on its way by 4:13 pm, with the inshore boat having left some three minutes earlier. The ILB arrived on scene at 4:17 pm and the ALB at 4:35 pm.

Other services attending this incident were Falmouth Fire Brigade, the Police, Falmouth and Portscatho Coastguard Rescue Teams, a rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose, the Pilot Cutter LK Mitchell, harbour launches and other boats in the area.

When it became clear that a diving operation was needed the MTS Valonia carrying commercial divers was also tasked to attend.

On arrival, the crew of the ILB made several attempts to snag the submerged car with its anchor and line, bravely assisted by a member of the public in a snorkel and mask, but all to no avail. The ALB at this time was standing by.

Eventually a line was secured to the car by the commercial divers and the Fire Brigade managed to haul the vehicle clear of the water where the body of a female passenger and two dogs were recovered.

Following on from this the ILB assisted with ferrying rescue personnel from one side of the river to the other before both boats were released from the incident and made their way back to the lifeboat station arriving at approximately 7 pm. There they were washed down refuelled and were ready for service once again by 7:25 pm.

The exact circumstances of this incident are under investigation by the Police.

A spokesman added: "The thoughts of all the lifeboat crews are with the family and friends of the lady who was in the car."

 • The crew manning the all weather lifeboat on this occasion were: Mark Pollard (Coxswain); Jonathan Blakeston; Dave Nicoll; Neil Capper; Adam West and Jack Chuter.

• Manning the inshore boat were: Diane Bush (helmsman); Andy Jenkin and Tom Bird.