Fowey Lifeboat Joins Sea Rescue: Missing Diver Found Alive Off Eddystone Lighthouse

On Sunday, 9 June, a coordinated rescue operation was launched to search for a missing diver off the Eddystone Lighthouse. The call for assistance came through at 12:48pm, just as the crew of Fowey’s all-weather lifeboat were concluding their Sunday morning exercise debrief.

Urgent Call to Action

Falmouth Coastguard coordinated the extensive search effort, which involved multiple agencies including Fowey and Plymouth’s all-weather lifeboats, Plymouth’s inshore 85 lifeboat, the Rescue 94 Helicopter, and the Smit Yare vessel. The urgency of the situation escalated when it was reported that all but one diver had returned, and the orange pick-up was no longer visible.

Swift Response

Fowey lifeboat crew responded promptly, arriving on the scene at 1:46pm. Upon arrival, they were assigned a specific search leg. Meanwhile, the crew from Plymouth’s 85 lifeboat were already scanning the waters for signs of the missing diver.

Successful Rescue

As Fowey’s crew commenced their search section, the Plymouth 85 crew spotted the missing diver floating on the water’s surface. The Plymouth team quickly rescued the diver, bringing him and his equipment safely onboard their all-weather boat.

Medical Assessment and Stand Down

A paramedic from the Rescue 94 Helicopter was then winched down to the Plymouth boat to assess the diver’s condition. After a thorough examination, the diver was found to be in good health and did not require medical support. He was subsequently returned to his vessel.

At 2:02pm, the search operation was officially stood down. The successful outcome was attributed to the effective collaboration and quick response of all involved agencies. This incident highlights the importance of coordinated search and rescue efforts in ensuring the safety of individuals at sea.