Falmouth Lifeboat Responds to Wing-Foiler in Distress Off Gyllyngvase Beach

Falmouth, February 17, 2024 — The volunteer crew of the Falmouth Lifeboat Station swiftly responded to a distress call concerning a wing-foiler in trouble near Gyllyngvase Beach on Saturday afternoon. This incident came just hours after the team had been called to another emergency at sea.

Following a 999 call from a concerned member of the public, who reported seeing a wing-foiler struggling approximately 100 meters off Gyllyngvase Beach, the station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, named ‘Robina Nixon Chard,’ was launched. The crew, all volunteers, were paged and managed to set off towards the incident location in just 11 minutes, braving the rain and slight sea conditions.

The lifeboat reached the last known position of the individual in distress shortly before 6:00 PM. However, after a brief search, HM Coastguard confirmed that the wing-foiler had safely returned to the beach, rendering the service a false alarm, albeit with good intentions.

The lifeboat crew was stood down by the Coastguard and returned to the station by 6:11 PM, where they refuelled and prepared the lifeboat for any future calls. This quick and efficient response underscores the readiness and dedication of the volunteer crew at Falmouth Lifeboat Station to potential sea rescue situations.

Falmouth Lifeboat Station, supported by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), emphasises the importance of calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard if someone appears to be in difficulty at sea. The RNLI’s mission to save lives at sea is heavily reliant on donations from the public. To support their vital work, Falmouth station encourages visits to their Just Giving page for contributions.

The community is reminded of the critical role that volunteers and donations play in ensuring the safety of those at sea, highlighting the significance of the RNLI’s work in the region.