Training exercise becomes St Ives RNLI’s first shout of 2026
Training exercise becomes St Ives RNLI’s first shout of 2026
Lifeboats News Release
St Ives RNLI volunteers were called into action on Wednesday evening, 14 January, when a routine training exercise unexpectedly became the station’s first service launch of 2026.
RNLI/Rob Cording-Cook
St Ives RNLI all-weather lifeboat, Nora Stachura, being recovered after last night’s shout
Both the all-weather lifeboat and the inshore lifeboat had launched at 6.30 for their scheduled weekly exercise. Crews were carrying out essential training scenarios, including man overboard recovery, pyrotechnic drills and alongside towing practice, when HM Coastguard tasked the all-weather lifeboat at 7.59 to assist the Police with an incident near Tubby’s Head.
With the lifeboat already afloat, the crew made good speed to the area. Conditions were extremely dark with a south‑south‑westerly wind of around 10 knots. On arrival, the casualty was already in the care of police officers, and the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.
Jake Martin, Coxswain, said: ‘Our volunteers train regularly so we’re ready to respond whenever we’re needed. This was a straightforward tasking and the crew reacted quickly and professionally.’
The RNLI continues to rely on the dedication of its volunteer crews and the generosity of the public. Anyone wishing to support the charity’s lifesaving work can find more information at
RNLI.org.
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.
