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Launched to a Distance of 32.2 Nautical Miles for The Lizard RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

A launch on service request was received by our duty Launch Authority at 10.30am

RNLI

Arrival on scene.
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Our crew were paged and under the command of Second Coxswain Darren Thirlaway, The Lizard Lifeboat launched on service at 10.48am. We had been asked to go to the assistance of 4-meter sailing vessel with one person on board and in an approximate position of 32.3 nautical miles south west of Lizard Point.

The vessel was said to be experiencing severe difficulty sailing and was being continuously swamped by heavy waves. RNLB Rose arrived on scene at 12.15pm, a French fishing vessel was also on scene having stood by in an attempt to shadow the vessel from further danger from the oncoming waves.

An immediate and thorough assessment was carried out on the vessel and its occupant who was safely recovered to the lifeboat to receive casualty care and medical assistance if required. The decision was taken to try and tow the vessel to the nearest port and a tow line was attached. Unfortunately, a short while in to the tow it was decided that because of the vessels poor condition and as it was taking in too much water, it was in danger of sinking making it unsafe to proceed any further. The tow was disconnected and the vessel was left behind. Details of it and its last location was passed to the coastguard in case it’s appearance before potentially sinking should generate further calls.

RNLB Rose left the scene at 1.47pm arriving back at the station at 2.30pm where she was rehoused, refuelled and made ready for service again when required by 3.30pm. The single occupant of the stricken sailing vessel was met at the lifeboat station by friends.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Lyndsay Bray
Lifeboat Press Officer, The Lizard Lifeboat Station

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