Fowey RNLI rescue family of four and their dog after yacht engine failure

The yacht proceeded to three miles off the coastline to avoid the heavy coastline seas but the 3 metre swells with choppy smaller waves on top was unavoidable and caused extremely uncomfortable travelling conditions.

The family called Falmouth Coastguard to inform them of the challenges faced. At the time of calling, the vessel was able to proceed, albeit uncomfortably but this soon changed shortly afterwards when the engine overheated and the RNLI were paged to assist them into Fowey.

Reaching the casualty in 25 minutes, two volunteer crew members, Adam Russell and Alan Harris, were transferred aboard to help the experienced sailor, which meant his wife was able to look after the two young children below.

With crew on board the yacht was able to be sailed into Fowey and then taken alongside by the Fowey Harbour patrol boat and moored at Berrils Yard.

The family and Biggles (the 84 year old - in dog years - terrier) were then taken into the Fowey RNLI boathouse and plied with chocolate biscuits and tea.

The lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service.

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 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 146,000 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 by email.