RNLI volunteers from Falmouth lifeboat station were tasked last night during the peak of Storm Goretti to assist several people in difficulty aboard vessels.

As the county was battered by hurricane strength winds during a Met Office rare red weather warning, RNLI pagers sounded as a number of vessels were breaking free from their moorings with people aboard.

Volunteers were paged at around 7.10pm and launched their Shannon class lifeboat in horrendous conditions. The crew worked alongside Falmouth pilot vessel, Falmouth Harbour and Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team for three hours to assist people in difficulty.

Falmouth Coastguard confirmed team members were tasked to four incidents near the peak of Storm Goretti. These included a call at 1950 to a vessel with two persons on board in distress at Falmouth Haven. Conditions on the pontoons were “quite unfavourable” with lines snapping and waves breaking over the top. Two people and two dogs were recovered to the safety of the Chain Locker on Custom House Quay.

While this was happening, the Coastguard was tasked to a report of a person in the water at Premier Falmouth Marina. Team members split from the initial incident and took another vehicle to this job. Following a search of the area alongside lifeboat crew, the missing male was quickly located on the stern of his vessel. He and another occupant were rescued by Coastguard Team members and bought to the safety of the marina office for a warming cup of tea.

The coastguard supported the lifeboat crew in transferring two other casualties from other vessels to the shore that had gotten into difficulty during the night. They stood down at 11.30pm.

In total Falmouth RNLI volunteers responded to seven separate incidents. Conditions were incredibly difficult, with north-westerly winds reaching hurricane strength, large waves in the harbour and driving rain and hail.

Coxswain Nick Head said: “The conditions were very tricky with 90mph winds, torrential rain and hail. It was certainly the worst weather conditions I’ve been out in as coxswain.”

The lifeboat pontoon suffered some damage, as did many other structures around the harbour. The lifeboat remains on service and operational.

Dickon Berriman, RNLI Area Operations Manager, said: “While most of us were in the warmth and safety of our homes last night, our dedicated volunteer crews spent hours at sea in the dark helping people in difficulty, contending with horrendous conditions brought on by Storm Goretti, the worst Cornwall has seen in many years. Their courage, selflessness and dedication is incredible.

“While the worst of the weather has passed through, we would urge vessel owners to make sure their anchor and mooring lines are secure and also to check local weather and wind reports prior to planning any passages.”

Although the weather has settled, the storm has caused large swells at sea, and various debris around the coastline. If visiting the coast, people are encouraged to stay a safe distance from wet and slippery edges, let someone know where you are going and carry a means of calling for help.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice is float to live. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged; relax and try to breathe normally; and move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

If you see someone else in trouble at the coast, remember: Call, Tell, Throw. Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help; tell the struggling person to float on their back; and throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.