Falmouth RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew launched in force ten NW gales on Boxing Day night to help a yacht in difficulty, making it their 80th shout of 2017.

Just after midnight on December 27, Falmouth’s all-weather lifeboat Richard Cox Scott was launched to assist a the yacht in difficulty in very strong winds within the harbour.

Responding to the shout were: Luke Wills (Coxswain), Andy Jenkin, Dave Nicoll, Tom Bird, Adam West, Jonathan Hackwell, Sandy Procter, Claire Angove and Neil Capper.

With force 10 NW gales and moderate waves in Falmouth harbour, the volunteer crew responded to a 40ft vessel bouncing against the pontoon at the marina.

The crew helped with adding fenders and helping secure the boat yet there was increasing danger of damage or holes, and her owners were at risk dealing with the situation themselves in the bad weather.

With the shore crew helping from the pontoon, the decision was made to launch the all-weather lifeboat Richard Cox Scott at 01.10 am.

The lifeboat towed the yacht clear of the pontoon into the docks out of the strong gales and waves. With the boat owners cold, shaken and wet, they were taken to the boat house to get dry and changed.

Falmouth RNLI Crew Adam West said: “RNLI volunteer crews across the south west are on standby 24/7 this Christmas, as at anytime of year, ready to drop everything and assist anyone in trouble on the coast and at sea.”

The lifeboat was then returned to the station, refuelled and ready for service at 02.35am.

Video by crew member Neil Capper