Lizard RNLI Responds to Steering Failure on Yacht off Lizard Point

Second overnight rescue in three days for RNLI crew

The Lizard RNLI lifeboat crew were called out in the early hours of Tuesday 17th June to assist a sailing yacht drifting around 8 nautical miles south east of Lizard Point.

The lifeboat pagers were triggered at 12.21am and RNLB Rose launched shortly before 12.40am, under the command of Second Coxswain Darren Thirlaway, with a crew of six. They reached the casualty vessel, an 11-metre yacht with one person on board, around 15 minutes later.

Initial fears over water ingress

Poor radio communication between the vessel and Falmouth Coastguard led to initial reports suggesting the yacht was taking on water. However, once the lifeboat crew arrived on scene and carried out a thorough assessment, it became clear this was not the case.

Instead, a steering problem was identified, with no sign of water ingress.

Skipper found fatigued and confused

The skipper was found to be disorientated and clearly suffering from severe fatigue. A lifeboat crew member boarded the yacht to support the sailor, and it was decided to attach a tow line and escort the vessel safely into Falmouth harbour.

The crew member remained aboard the yacht throughout the tow, which concluded with the boat secured on a mooring at 4.05am. The skipper was re-assessed and did not require any medical treatment.

RNLB Rose back on duty

RNLB Rose began her return to Kilcobben Cove at 4.53am and was back on the slipway by 5.14am. The lifeboat was refuelled, rehoused and made ready for her next call-out.

This was the second overnight rescue carried out by The Lizard RNLI team in just three days, with another swift response from both boat and shore crews.