Dramatic 13-Hour Rescue: Stranded Yacht Saved by RNLI Lifeboats

In an extraordinary 13-hour rescue mission, RNLI lifeboats from The Lizard and Penlee were involved in saving a yacht that had lost its steering 40 nautical miles southwest of The Lizard on 15th July 2024.

Initial Response

At 10:30am, the Falmouth Coastguard tasked The Lizard Lifeboat Station’s Tamar class all-weather lifeboat, Rose, to the scene. The lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Andrew Putt, was dispatched to assess the situation. Given the significant risk to life and navigation, Andrew decided that towing the yacht to safety was the best course of action. With the yacht veering left and right due to its lack of steering, the towing operation proved challenging, with the lifeboat sometimes making only two knots.

Call for Reinforcements

As the arduous tow continued, Andrew and his crew of six volunteers requested additional assistance. At 3pm, the Falmouth Coastguard tasked Penlee Lifeboat to join the operation. The Penlee all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat, Ivan Ellen, commanded by Coxswain Richard Fowler (covering for Patch Harvey), along with Mechanic Tony Rendle and four volunteers, launched to support the effort.

Coordinated Effort

By 5pm, Ivan Ellen had rendezvoused with Rose and took over the primary towing duties, with Rose acting as a brake behind the yacht to stabilize its course. This coordinated effort between the two lifeboats was crucial in ensuring the safe and controlled tow of the distressed yacht.

Safe Haven

After a long and demanding tow, the lifeboats finally arrived at Newlyn Harbour. The exhausted crew of Rose, who had been at sea for approximately 13 hours, were greeted with hot coffee and pizza, a much-needed respite after their grueling mission.

This rescue operation highlights the dedication and bravery of the RNLI volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of those at sea.