RNLI Penlee tasked to grounded yacht

The Penlee ILB under the command of Helmsman James Roberts arrived on scene and managed to secure a line to the yacht despite the shallow water depth and poor conditions and the yacht which was unable to re-float due to the onshore east wind was pulled free of the rocks.

To assist the elderly skipper the Penlee ALB put an RNLI volunteer onto the yacht who quickly informed Coxswain Patch Harvey that the vessel was taking on a lot of water.

Penlee’s ILB towed the yacht to Newlyn harbour where the Penlee ALB rafted alongside the yacht, towed it to a pontoon berth and transferred the salvage pump.

The yacht had suffered hull damage while aground and for the next two hours the yacht was pumped out every 20 minutes until nearer to high tide when it was towed to the north pier so it could dry out and at low tide assess the hull damage.

Both RNLI lifeboats returned to station at 2am Sunday morning to wash down and refuel in preparation for the next service.

The RNLI recommends…
Always wear a lifejacket on deck and a harness where appropriate. If you use a dinghy or tender to access your boat, make sure you always wear your lifejacket.

Always carry a means of calling for help. Consider having an additional method like the SafeTrx app. You can also use this app to plan your voyage, and it can alert the coastguard if you are overdue. You should also register your vessel with the coastguard through this app.

Always check the weather forecast and tide times.


Notes to editors
Penlee RNLI is based in Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 5HW. The volunteers crew an all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat the Ivan Ellen and a B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat the Mollie and Ivor Dent. The Penlee Lifeboat has a rich 200 years history of saving lives at sea.
RNLI media contacts For more information, please contact Phil Monckton, Penlee Lifeboat Press Officer on 07879818095 or [email protected], or Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Manager [email protected] or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Officer, on 07786 668847 or [email protected].

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.