Falmouth Lifeboat in Cornwall responds to Helford River call

In an update posted to its social media page, Falmouth Lifeboat said: "The station’s Severn class all-weather lifeboat Richard Cox Scott launched yesterday afternoon at 1.36pm in response to concerns for a person on board a 10-metre yacht dragging its anchor in the Helford River due to the conditions caused by Storm Noa.

"A member of the public on a nearby vessel had alerted the UK Coastguard about the situation.

Falmouth Lifeboat on its return (Image: Dave Coglan)

"The lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Jonathon Blakeston, left its pontoon in the harbour in gale force 8 winds but this increased to severe gale force 9 to storm force 10 with gusts to 69 mph in the bay and on scene in the Helford River.

"The lifeboat arrived on scene in the Helford River at 2.03pm and commenced the search to locate the casualty. The vessel was located off Bar Point with its anchor still out but the skipper had managed to pick up a mooring.

"However, at this point, the yacht’s tender broke free due to the conditions but the lifeboat managed to recover it. Because of the gale force winds, this was not a straightforward task as the lifeboat had to be carefully maneuvered through the moorings to do so.

Conditions were stormy during the rescue (Image: Dave Coglan)

"The lifeboat crew managed to communicate with the yacht’s skipper and were able to confirm that he was safe and in no immediate danger and would stay on board his vessel.

"It was also agreed that it would be safer for the lifeboat to take the tender back to the lifeboat station rather than risk damage trying to return it to the yacht.

"The all-weather lifeboat also checked on another yacht at anchor further down the Helford but they confirmed that no assistance was required.

"With all well, the lifeboat was released from service at 2.20pm and returned back to the station at 2.55pm."