Dramatic Halloween Rescue: RNLI Crew Honoured for Bravery in Hurricane-Force Conditions

Photo: The Penlee Lifeboat crew awarded Silver Medal for Gallantry certificates. – Credit: RNLI/Philip Monckton

In a prestigious ceremony at Penlee Lifeboat Station on 11th October 2024, members of the Penlee RNLI lifeboat crew were awarded Silver Medal for Gallantry Certificates by the charity for their heroic actions during a dramatic rescue in extreme weather conditions. The event recognised their courage, determination, and teamwork during a life-saving mission on 31st October 2022, where they saved eight people from a disabled yacht off Pedngwinian Point near Porthleven.

The Challenging Rescue Mission

The rescue took place on Halloween night, when hurricane-force winds and towering waves left the 40-ft French sailing vessel stranded and taking on water just two miles off the coast. The Penlee lifeboat, Ivan Ellen, commanded by Coxswain Patch Harvey, launched at 8.30pm to respond to the emergency. The yacht’s crew of eight faced a perilous situation, as they were being blown towards the treacherous shore, known for its powerful waves and dangerous undertow.

Amidst gusts of up to 87 knots and waves reaching six to seven metres, the RNLI crew worked tirelessly in poor visibility, contending with driving rain and relentless spray. Despite language barriers, Patch and his crew were able to establish communication with the yacht’s skipper, who confirmed they did not have a sufficient liferaft or enough lifejackets for all on board, some of whom were severely seasick.

Overcoming the Elements

The crew faced numerous challenges in their attempts to secure the yacht, including a broken towline and extreme conditions that saw the lifeboat rolling heavily and water regularly crashing over the deck. At one point, a lifeboat crew member became severely ill, leaving the team one member short in their life-saving efforts.

Undeterred, Patch made the decision to request helicopter evacuation due to the escalating risk to life. The Newquay-based HM Coastguard helicopter crew, commanded by Captain Debdash Bhattacharya, arrived on scene after being diverted from another emergency. It took an hour for the helicopter crew to winch all eight yacht crew members to safety under the extreme weather conditions.

Photo: Penlee coxswain Patch Harvey and Silver Medal with wife Nina and son and crewman Morgan – Credit: RNLI/Philip Monckton

Recognition for Heroic Actions

At the awards ceremony, Patch Harvey, Mechanic Marcel Le Breton, Navigator James Roberts, and crew members Will Treneer, Adrian Thomas, Dan Sell, and Trevelyan Worth were all honoured with the RNLI’s Silver Medal for Gallantry Certificates. Their bravery, under intense pressure and in the face of highly dangerous conditions, was praised by RNLI lifesaving lead Tom Mansell, who commended the crew’s exceptional teamwork and Patch’s expert decision-making.

The helicopter crew was also recognised for their crucial role in the rescue. Co-Pilot Mark Coupland, Winch Operator Jason Bibby, and Winch Paramedic Carlton Real were among those who received awards from the RNLI for their outstanding life-saving actions that night.

A Legacy of Bravery

The last time a Silver Medal for Gallantry was awarded to a Penlee RNLI crew was in 1947, making this recognition a rare and significant event. Penlee Lifeboat Station, based in Newlyn, Penzance, has a long history of saving lives at sea, stretching back 200 years. The station operates the Severn Class all-weather lifeboat Ivan Ellen and the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Mollie and Ivor Dent.

This dramatic rescue stands as a testament to the bravery and dedication of the RNLI and coastguard crews who put their lives on the line to save others.

📷The SAR helicopter crew awarded the RNLI's Silver Medal Certificate for Gallantry

Photo: Search & Rescue helicopter team with Tom Mansell and Janet Madron –  Credit: RNLI/Philip Monckton