Steering Failure Leaves 47-Foot Yacht Stranded Off Cornwall Coast

The RNLI Penlee’s all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat, the Ivan Ellen, was dispatched by Falmouth Coastguards at 6:30am on 28th September 2024 to assist a 47-foot sailing ketch stranded six miles south of Porthcurno due to complete steering failure.

Under the command of Coxswain Amy Smith, with Mechanic Tony Rendle and a team of RNLI volunteers, the Ivan Ellen made its way to the stricken vessel. With gales forecasted and no means of steering, a risk assessment was conducted by Amy, and it was decided to tow the yacht to the nearest safe port, Newlyn.

Successful Rescue Operation

The lifeboat successfully towed the vessel and arrived in Newlyn at 9:30am on the same day. The casualty was safely moored pending repairs, and the crew of the Ivan Ellen readied the lifeboat for the next emergency.