A vessel with a trapped spinnaker and reports of a missing snorkeler saw Falmouth volunteer crew launch both the all-weather and inshore lifeboats twice to assist on Saturday.

Falmouth inshore lifeboat Robina Nixon Chard was tasked to assist a racing yacht that had got into difficulty.

Later on, all-weather and inshore lifeboats were requested to launch in the search for a snorkeler.

On the yacht incident, Falmouth RNLI said:

"The vessel's spinnaker had become wrapped around the forestay and rigging and was proving impossible to get down in the strong winds. With other nearby yachts stopping to help, Falmouth all-weather lifeboat Robert Cox Scott was launched shortly after to assist if needed.

"Having located the yacht 3 miles south of Pendennis Point, a crew member was transferred from the inshore lifeboat to the casualty vessel and a tow line was soon established.

"The inshore lifeboat, escorted by the all-weather lifeboat, then towed the racing yacht back towards Falmouth harbour where the spinnaker was able to be cut free and the yacht placed on a mooring."

On Saturday evening, both the all-weather and inshore lifeboats were requested to launch by Falmouth Coastguard in order to assist the Police and Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team in the search for a snorkeler who was overdue on the time expected back onshore.

Falmouth RNLI added:

"Both vessels launched at 5.30pm and began searches in the area around Pennance Point and Swanpool Beach.

"Falmouth lifeboats were near Gyllyngvase Beach and about to extend their search areas, when at 5.55pm, Falmouth Coastguard advised that further information had been received and the lifeboats were stood down to return to the station to be refuelled and made ready for service by 6.30pm."

Click here to see more from Falmouth RNLI.

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