Stricken Yacht and RIB Rescued in Dramatic Double Tow Off Falmouth

Relief lifeboat called into action for the first time since arriving on station

Falmouth’s all-weather lifeboat was launched on Tuesday afternoon, 15th April 2025, to assist a 10-metre yacht struggling in poor conditions five miles south east of Black Rock.

First Shout for Relief Lifeboat

It marked the first call-out for the George and Frances Phelon, a relief Shannon class lifeboat currently on station at Falmouth. The volunteer crew were paged at 4.05pm following a call to Falmouth Coastguard from the distressed yacht reporting a breakdown in difficult conditions.

With a northwest wind of force 6 to 7 and moderate seas, the lifeboat launched at 4.17pm under the command of Coxswain Jon Blakeston, making good progress to the scene and arriving 23 minutes later.

One Yacht, One RIB – Both in Trouble

Upon arrival, the crew discovered that a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) from a nearby offshore supply vessel had initially taken the yacht under tow. However, the RIB then suffered its own mechanical failure and began drifting.

The lifeboat crew took over the situation, rigging a tow line from the yacht and streaming the RIB astern. They then connected the yacht to the lifeboat and commenced a double tow towards Falmouth.

RIB Returned, Yacht Secured

On the return journey, the lifeboat rendezvoused with the supply vessel to safely return the RIB to its crew. The yacht was then brought into Falmouth and secured alongside. The lifeboat returned to station by 6.57pm, where it was refuelled and made ready for its next service.