Overdue Yacht Prompts Search by Fowey Lifeboat Crew

Fowey’s volunteer lifeboat crew was called out on Monday, October 14, to search for a missing yacht after a request from Falmouth Coastguard. The D class inshore lifeboat launched at 6:20pm to search Fowey Harbour and surrounding areas for a 27-foot sailing yacht that had not arrived as expected.

Yacht Departs Plymouth, Fails to Arrive in Falmouth

The missing yacht, which had only one person on board, departed from Plymouth around midnight on Saturday, bound for Falmouth. Concern was raised when the vessel failed to arrive at its destination, prompting the call for a search.

The Fowey lifeboat crew searched the river, starting at the fork where the River Fowey branches towards Lostwithiel and Lerryn. Despite the thorough search, which included the entire stretch of the river down to the harbour entrance, no trace of the yacht was found.

Search Stood Down

As night fell, and with no sign of the missing yacht, the crew were stood down by Falmouth Coastguard at 7:50pm. The lifeboat returned to its base shortly afterward.

Fowey lifeboat station often responds to similar emergencies, and reminders are frequently issued to ensure safety at sea. It’s crucial to inform someone of your destination and estimated time of arrival, especially when sailing solo.

You can learn more about staying safe while sailing and tracking your voyages using apps like SafeTrx, which can alert the coastguard if you’re overdue.