Press Notice No: 340_10
Friday, November 26, 2010
Posted 21:52 GMT

A search involving Coastguard teams, lifeboats and a helicopter took place in Falmouth Bay this afternoon for a stowaway from a cargo vessel after one man was rescued and later reported that his friend had also jumped from the ship into the water.

At 4.03 pm harbour boats in Falmouth Bay reported that they had seen a man jump from the rudder trunk of the Thuleland, a UK flagged bulk carrier. The harbour boat picked up the stowaway, a male from Cameroon, and brought him ashore. The man spoke very little English but gave an indication that he had been stowing away with a friend who may or may not still be on board. However, when later questioned by Police, the man reported that his friend had actually jumped into the water before him, but had got into difficulty.

Fearing that the man may still be in the water, Falmouth Coastguard sent Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team, and requested the launch of the Falmouth Inshore and All Weather Lifeboats. They also requested the Royal Navy Helicopter Rescue 193 from RNAS Culdrose and a search was carried out of the areas around the bay and the vessel, as well as a shoreline search. All units were stood down at 8.20 pm.

Falmouth Coastguard Watch Manager Ian Guy said:

After an extensive search of the area in proximity to the vessel, as well as the entire Bay area all resources were stood down with nothing found. The stowaway that was rescued by the harbour boat has been transferred to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.



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Posted By: Rosie Tapping

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401