Fowey RNLI Launch to Assist Drifting RIB South of Harbour Entrance

Fowey RNLI’s first shout of 2026 saw volunteers called into action on Friday 13th February after a small vessel was reported drifting without power just outside Fowey harbour.

Paged by Falmouth Coastguard

At 6:06pm, Falmouth Coastguard paged the Fowey Lifeboat Launch Authority with a request to launch the station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat. A 5m RIB with two people on board was drifting more than 500m south of the harbour entrance.

The vessel had no power or lights, and with an offshore wind blowing it further away from the shore, assistance was required.

The crew launched at 6:15pm, just nine minutes after being paged, and arrived on scene seven minutes later.

Vessel Taken Under Tow

After assessing the situation, the lifeboat crew took the casualty vessel under tow and returned it safely to Penmarlam Quay in the Fowey River.

Both people on board were wearing lifejackets and were able to call 999 for the coastguard, as they had a mobile phone with them. They believed the engine failure was caused by water in the fuel.

Back on Service

Following the rescue, the lifeboat refuelled and returned to the station. It was back on service at 7:18pm.

The call marked the first launch of the year for Fowey RNLI in 2026.

📷Stock Photo