Falmouth lifeboat sent to Helford after yacht fails to reach Gweek

A 10-metre yacht was due at Gweek Boatyard by half past four on Monday afternoon. By evening, with one person thought to be on board, it still hadn’t arrived.

An overdue yacht on the Helford

Falmouth RNLI‘s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, Decibel Too, launched at 6.32pm on Monday (9 November). The crew were tasked to find the yacht, which had been reported overdue arriving at Gweek.

It was last seen on a visitors’ mooring at Helford Passage and had been expected at the boatyard at 4.30pm. Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team were also called out.

A force 6 on the way in

The lifeboat reached the scene at 6.58pm. It was overcast, but visibility was good. A force 6 easterly wind was blowing, with a moderate sea running.

Still on its mooring

When the Coastguard Rescue Team got to the Ferry Boat Inn, it was believed the yacht had never left its mooring. The all-weather lifeboat was asked to check.

The crew found the vessel on a mooring, with no signs of anyone on board.

HM Coastguard stood the lifeboat down at 7.20pm. It was back at the station by 7.50pm and ready for service again at 8.10pm.

Enquiries continued ashore.

📷Credit: Falmouth RNLI