The 'very apologetic' owner of a speedboat had to be helped back to shore by Falmouth RNLI after running out of fuel at sea on Sunday.

Falmouth Coastguard requested that Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat launch to assist a 19ft speed boat which had run out of fuel while crossing Gerrans Bay during a passage from Mevagissey to Mylor.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 3.27pm and having rounded Zone Point headed up to the east arriving on scene at 3.40pm. The speed boat, which had two adults and two dogs on board, had dropped its anchor so this was recovered before the boat was taken in tow back to Mylor. 

An RNLI spokesman said: "The speed boat had been on a day trip to Mevagissey where they had been unable to obtain any fuel so had headed back along the coast towards Portscatho. Unfortunately they ran out of fuel shortly before they reached the harbour, forcing them to drop their anchor and advise the coastguard of their predicament.

"The coastguard put out a broadcast requesting assistance from any other vessels in the area but had no offers of assistance so eventually the decision was made to task the inshore lifeboat.

"The speed boat was well equipped and the owner was grateful for the assistance and very apologetic."

  • Inshore Lifeboat. Date: 13/10/13
  • Service: Speed boat which had run out of fuel.
  • Crew: Jonathan Hackwell (Helmsman), Luke Wills, Nick Head.
  • Location: 1 mile South East of Portscatho.
  • Weather: NNE 3, Slight Sea and Swell, Good Visibility, Partly Cloudy