Dinghy Trouble Off St Michael’s Mount: RNLI Launches Rescue After Engine Failure

One person towed to safety after failing to raise the alarm himself

Penlee RNLI volunteers were called out just before lunchtime today, 1st June, to assist a lone sailor whose small dinghy had broken down in breezy conditions off the south coast of Cornwall.

Falmouth Coastguard tasked the crew at 11:30am after the dinghy, around two miles south of St Michael’s Mount, was seen struggling. The vessel had one person on board and was battling the wind with no working engine.

No radio, no call for help

The all-weather Severn Class lifeboat Ivan Ellen launched shortly after the callout. It was crewed by coxswain Neville Pittman and five RNLI volunteers. When they reached the scene, they found the dinghy’s outboard motor had failed.

Although the sailor hadn’t called for help himself, the alarm was raised by his wife. The vessel had no VHF radio on board, leaving the sailor without a direct means of contacting the Coastguard.

After assessing the situation and deciding it wasn’t safe to leave the dinghy to try and make its own way back, Neville made the call to attach a line and tow the vessel to the nearest port.

RNLI safety advice

Following the incident, the RNLI is reminding all boat users to always carry a means of calling for help. They advise having an additional method like the SafeTrx app, which can also be used to plan your voyage and alert the Coastguard if you’re overdue.

They also recommend ensuring engines are well maintained, carrying enough fuel for your trip, and taking the right tools and spares on board.

You can also register your vessel with the Coastguard through the SafeTrx app.

A lucky escape

Thankfully, no one was injured in today’s incident, but the RNLI’s response serves as another timely reminder of the risks of going to sea unprepared.

📷File Photo of Penlee Lifeboat Ivan Ellen.