St Ives RNLI volunteers launch lifeboat twice in an hour

The inshore lifeboat and all-weather lifeboat were both launched at 6.48pm on Wednesday 18 April to reports of people in difficulty in the water at Strap Rocks near Godrevy.

The lifeboats were stood down before they arrived after surfers helped the swimmers back to the shore.

RNLI Coxswain at St Ives RNLI Rob Cocking says: ‘There are a lot of people enjoying the sunshine at the moment and it’s important to remind people that the sea temperatures are still very cold at this time of year and that conditions around the coast can change quickly and still be challenging. We’d always advise people to be aware of their surroundings and ability and should they see someone else in trouble to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Not long after returning to the lifeboat station the all-weather lifeboat was launched for a second time at 7.38pm to two people on board a 30ft sailing yacht that had broken down five nautical miles north of St Ives Head.

RNLI crew member Jake Martin transferred to the yacht to assess the situation. The casualty boat had lost power and with darkness due to fall it was in need of being towed back to St Ives.

Rob added: ‘It was a busy few hours for the team here at St Ives Lifeboat Station. With a ground swell of around 2-3 metres we were able to secure a tow and bring the yacht and her crew back to the safety of the shore. The rescue operation took two hours and the lifeboat was returned to the boat house and made ready for service.’

Notes to editors

Pictures and captions attached. Credit RNLI

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For more information contact volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at St Ives Alban Roinard on 07819591880 or Carrie Garrad, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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