Sennen Cove and Penlee RNLI launch in storm conditions to fishing vessel
Sennen Cove RNLI volunteers spent all night at sea last night (Tuesday 12 March) in horrendous storm conditions to go to the aid of a French registered fishing trawler which had suffered engine failure.
The relief Tamar class lifeboat Peter and Lesley-Jane Nicholson was requested to launch by HM Coastguard at around 11.50pm following reports of a 24 metre French registered fishing vessel which had suffered engine failure off the coast of Lands End.
The lifeboat launched with seven crew, coxswained by Ollie George, and proceeded to the scene. Conditions included 5-6m waves and storm force winds. On arrival on scene at around 12.40am this morning (Wednesday 14 March), the lifeboat crew assessed the situation and decided it was too dangerous to attempt to secure a tow.
Sennen Cove RNLI volunteers stood-by the stricken vessel while HM Coastguard consulted with other partners on the best method of rescue.
Penlee RNLI lifeboat launched at around 3am to provide additional support. Sennen Cove RNLI stood by as the six crew on board were airlifted in the difficult conditions from the fishing vessel by the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.
Both RNLI lifeboat crews were stood down at around 5am. The conditions at Sennen Cove meant it was too rough to attempt to rehouse the lifeboat, so the volunteer crew moored the lifeboat in Newlyn harbour, arriving at around 7am. The lifeboat crew returned back to Sennen Cove by road at around 8am, after seven hours at sea overnight.
Notes to editors
Unfortunately there is no RNLI footage from the rescue last night.
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