False alarm at Benoath Cove triggers lifeboat launch before engine trouble strikes en route

Mechanical issue hits during call-out

Port Isaac RNLI was tasked at 5:07pm on Friday 30th May to reports of five people possibly cut off by the tide at Benoath Cove, near Bossiney.

The crew launched without delay and headed across the bay towards Tintagel Head, but while en route, their lifeboat suffered a mechanical failure and lost throttle.

Reacting quickly, the crew deployed their ground anchor, confirmed they were safe and alerted both Falmouth Coastguard and their own station.

Fisherman steps in to help

With limited propulsion restored thanks to some quick thinking and teamwork, the crew began a careful return journey to Port Isaac. They were escorted home by local fisherman and RNLI helm Tom Brown, who was aboard The Maverick.

Back ashore, the lifeboat was recovered and a replacement engine was swiftly delivered and installed. Port Isaac RNLI was back on service by 9:30pm the same evening.

False alarm with good intent

While the Port Isaac crew dealt with the engine issue, Coastguard teams from Boscastle and Polzeath, along with Padstow Lifeboat, attended the original incident at Benoath Cove.

It was confirmed to be a false alarm with good intent. The people reported to be at risk were actually on a beach with safe access, and were spoken to as they made their way up the path.

Port Isaac RNLI said:

“Even with regular maintenance, mechanical issues can happen—but this shout demonstrates the professionalism of our crew and the speed with which challenges are overcome. We’d also like to extend a big thank you to the RNLI engineers, whose swift response and expertise meant the mechanical issue was resolved quickly.”