TWO people in a speedboat without lifejackets were lucky to survive after their vessel sank when they mistook St Just in Roseland for Portscatho

Due to the inclement weather conditions both the inshore and offshore Falmouth lifeboats were called out to the boat on Sunday after receiving reports that the five metre speed boat was taking in water off Portscatho.

There was moderate sea and slight swell with poor visibility and overcast with rain.

All weather lifeboat crew Luke Wills (2nd Coxswain), Carl Beardmore, Dave Nicoll, Jonathan Hackwell, Jamie Wakefield, Tamara Brookes, Chris Simpson, Lloyd Barron launched 4:49pm along with the inshore boat with a crew of Sandy Procter (helmsman), Tom Bird, Tamsin Mulcahy and Andy Edwards on board.

The Portscatho Coastguard Cliff Rescue Team was also asked to help.

However just as the inshore lifeboat arrived at the scene they were told the pair had been picked up by a passing yacht and taken to Mylor Harbour. Despite thwe weather conditions, neith of them had been wearing lifejackets and were very lucky to have been picked up.

A spokesperson for Falmouth lifeboat said: "Further investigation confirmed that the speedboat had in fact sunk off Messack Point in the Carrick Roads, its occupants mistaking St Just in Roseland for Portscatho. The two casualties who were not wearing lifejackets had lost contact with the Coastguard when their speedboat had sunk so were extremely lucky to have been located and rescued by a passing yacht."

The full report from Falmouth lifeboat said: "At 16:33 Falmouth Coastguard requested that Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat be launched to assist two people on a 5m speed boat which was reported to be taking on water off Portscatho. The All Weather Lifeboat was also brought to immediate readiness due to the weather conditions and at 16:40 was also requested to launch.

"The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 16:41, with the All Weather Lifeboat leaving its pontoon berth shortly afterwards at 16:49. The Inshore Lifeboat arrived on scene off Portscatho at 16:55 just as the Coastguard advised that the two occupants of the speedboat had been recovered by a passing yacht. As the All Weather Lifeboat rounded Zone Point at 17:02 they were advised that the casualties had been landed at Mylor Harbour so both lifeboats were released to return to their station.

"The All Weather Lifeboat arrived back alongside its pontoon berth at 17:15, while the Inshore Lifeboat was recovered onto its slipway by 17:17. Both lifeboats were then refuelled and made ready for service by 17:40.