Our crew pagers sounded at 2.42pm following an immediate launch request from Falmouth Coastguard. A Mayday call had been received from a yacht with one person on board, reporting that it had hit rocks in a vague position somewhere between Cadgwith and Coverack.
Under the command of duty Coxswain Andrew Putt, RNLB Rose launched on service at 2.53pm and proceeded to an updated position of just west of Black Head. Just 6 minutes after launching the lifeboat quickly sighted the stricken yacht tight up against the rocks showing signs of severe damage and later confirmed with an ingress of water. The smaller Y-boat was quickly prepared and with 2 crew members on board, proceeded to the casualty, approaching with caution due to the moderate sea conditions. Following an assessment once on scene, our crew instructed the occupant to get ready to be taken off his vessel by moving along the side deck to the middle of the yacht. Whilst still fully aware of the sea state when handling the Y-boat and between sea swells, our crew and the sailor both chose the safest moment in which to approach and then disembark the severely damaged yacht.
Once safely aboard the Y-boat, the casualty was taken back to RNLB Rose where he was given a precautionary check, thankfully he was not in need of any further medical assistance. RNLB Rose then left the scene at 3.21pm and arrived back at the lifeboat station a short time later where she was rehoused and made ready for service again when required by 3.48pm. Once inside the lifeboat station, the very thankful casualty was again checked over and given a warm drink before leaving the station to make his way home.
Unfortunately, prior to his rescue, the casualty had taken off his lifejacket as he was feeling a little hot in it. Our advice is to always wear a suitable lifejacket when on or near the water. A life jacket keeps a person afloat, helps to conserve energy and can significantly increase chances of survival in an emergency.
With no power to this vessel, it’s very dangerous position on the rocks and in serious danger of sinking, the swift and professional response from our crews yesterday afternoon saved the life of the lone sailor on board. Much appreciation and thank you to all our personnel who responded to their pagers. The Lizard Lifeboat Station will have nothing further to report regarding the stricken yacht.
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.
Donate now
