Falmouth Lifeboat Assists Injured Sailor Near Coast

Falmouth’s all-weather lifeboat was launched on the evening of Sunday 29th March 2026 following reports of a lone sailor in difficulty off the coast.

The station’s Shannon class lifeboat Decibel Too launched at 6.19pm, with Deputy Coxswain Jamie Wakefield in command, after HM Coastguard received a radio call from a 22-foot yacht travelling from Penzance.

Yacht Found After Tanker Spots Vessel

The sailor reported that the yacht was not under control after he had fallen in bad weather. He believed he was around five miles from Falmouth but was unsure of his exact position.

The vessel was later located after a tanker reported having visual contact and provided a bearing to the lifeboat crew. The lifeboat arrived on scene at 6.36pm.

At the time, conditions included rain with good visibility, a force 6 westerly wind and a slight sea. The yacht had a foresail up but was not sailing, and its engine was not working.

Casualty Assessed On Board

Two lifeboat crew members were transferred onto the yacht to assess the sailor, who was found to have been injured in the fall.

Due to the sea conditions, the decision was made to sail the yacht back towards Falmouth before taking it in tow once reaching the lee of the land.

Vessel Brought Safely to Port

The yacht was brought alongside at Port Pendennis, where care of the casualty was handed over to members of Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team.

The lifeboat was released from service at 8.10pm and returned to station.

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