Fowey Lifeboat Crew Diverted to Rescue Inflatable Boat Near Gorran Haven

Casualties Pulled from Drifting Dinghy During Offshore Wind Drama

A farewell flotilla turned into a live rescue on Friday afternoon when Fowey’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat was diverted from a ceremonial procession to assist a drifting inflatable near Gorran Haven.

At 3:54pm on Friday 1st August, during a send-off for Fowey’s Trent lifeboat accompanied by crews from Plymouth, Falmouth and Looe, a 999 call came into Falmouth Coastguard reporting an inflatable boat adrift at Maenease Point. Two people were on board the 3-metre vessel, which was being blown out to sea by 4 to 5 strength offshore winds.

Second Call-Out of the Week

It marked the second shout in a week for Fowey’s new relief Atlantic 85, which only recently went on service. The volunteer crew launched quickly and made best speed to the scene.

Falmouth lifeboat arrived shortly before them and took the two casualties on board, towing the inflatable to the safety of Gorran Haven.

Milestone Firsts for Local Crew

It was a notable rescue for two Fowey volunteers. Martin Jezard and his son Ross Jezard were both on their first shout aboard the Atlantic 85, with Ross also taking the helm for the first time on that class of vessel.

RNLI Repeats Warning on Inflatable Safety

The RNLI is again reminding people that inflatables are not suitable for the sea. They are one of the most common causes of lifeboat and lifeguard call-outs every summer.

“Inflatables can be great fun when they’re used safely,” the RNLI stated. “But inflatables are not designed for the beach and it’s very easy to get swept out to sea, especially in offshore winds.”

Their advice is to:

• Use inflatables only on lifeguarded beaches

• Stay close to shore and always between red and yellow flags

• Supervise children at all times

• Never use them in big waves or when the orange windsock is flying

If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

📷Fowey's Atlantic 85 lifeboat in the flotilla procession - Credit: Fowey RNLI