A BOAT owner was given a stern talking to after setting out to sea while under the influence of alcohol in a boat not capable of coping with the adverse weather conditions.

The man, in his 20s and from the Helford, had been advised by the coastguard not to make the journey from Falmouth back to the Helford in the 14-foot open boat Mabel but had ignored their advice.

On the return journey, as predicted, the man got into difficulties in Falmouth Bay off Maenporth and the coastguard requested that the Falmouth inshore and all-weather lifeboats were launched at 8:39pm. The Falmouth coastguard mobile was also tasked to assist.

The inshore lifeboat launched from her slipway at 8:45pm and headed out round Pendennis Point, the all weather lifeboat leaving its pontoon berth at 8:49pm. Having cleared the headland the inshore lifeboat crew could see a set of lights off Maenporth and arrived alongside the vessel at 8:52pm. In view of the adverse conditions the single occupant of the boat was transferred to the inshore lifeboat, while one of the lifeboat crew went aboard the Mabel to manage the tow.

At 8:57pm the towline was established and the slow and bumpy journey back to Falmouth commenced, the all weather lifeboat being released to return to station once it was confirmed that no further assistance was required.

By 9:30pm the inshore lifeboat with the Mabel in tow was entering the inner harbour, and by 9:46pm the vessel had been moored at the lifeboat pontoon, and the casualty transferred ashore where members of the coastguard rescue team and the police met him.

The occupant of the Mabel was given a stern talking to in respect to his decision to go to see in conditions that were well in excess of the boat's capabilities while also been under the influence of alcohol.

"It was rough in the bay with a heavy swell," said Falmouth lifeboat helmsman Dave Nicholl. "The conditions were not suitable for a 14 foot open boat. He had been advised by the coastguard not to make the journey.

"He'd had a few drinks then set out in his boat. We always say that taking a boat out after a few drinks is like drinking and driving being in control of a boat when you have had a number of drinks. It is not a wise move. Hopefully he will have learned the errors of his ways."