St Ives RNLI Lifeboat crew respond to mayday call
At 10.45pm on Monday 3 July, the St Ives RNLI all-weather lifeboat, Nora Stachura, was launched in response to a request from the Falmouth Coastguard. A mayday call had been received from a single-handed 9m yacht that was taking on water seven miles north-west of St Agnes.
With Coxswain Robert Cocking at the helm, the St Ives Lifeboat Nora Stachura and its crew reacted quickly to the call and proceeded to the scene. They experienced a force 3-4 westerly wind and a slight swell.
A 924 Search and Rescue helicopter was also covering the incident but was stood down once the lifeboat crew arrived to take control of the situation. Due to the yacht, Kotuku, taking on water, the coxswain drew the lifeboat alongside it to allow two crew members to board so that they could assist with halting the leak.
With RNLI Second Mechanic Mark Penberthy and volunteer crew member Jake Martin on board, the yacht was safely escorted back to St Ives Harbour. The rescue lasted for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The collaboration between St Ives RNLI lifeboat crew, Falmouth Coastguard and the Search and Rescue team proved once again to be vital in achieving a successful outcome.
RNLI Notes to editors
The enclosed photographs show:
- The 9m yacht Kotuku.
- The all-weather lifeboat helping Kotuku find a mooring after being towed.
- The all-weather lifeboat, Nora Stachura, launching.
Please credit RNLI/Alban Roinard for all photos.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact one of the St Ives RNLI Lifeboat Press Officers:
- Alban Roinard (first response/visual media) on 07814 541880.
- Phil Moyle (editor/spokesman) on 07886 475974.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 over 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 142,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or or by email.