Sennen Cove RNLI volunteers launch to disabled yacht north-west of Pendeen

The single occupant of the yacht called Falmouth Coastguard stating that the yacht that had lost power and all navigation lights and was drifting towards the Lands End traffic separation scheme. A Pan Pan call was issued by Falmouth coastguard to all shipping in the area to look out for the yacht which was in total darkness

The Sennen Cove all weather lifeboat City of London III launched at 0.30am with six RNLI volunteer crew on board and made best speed to the casualty’s last known position. In the meantime Falmouth Coastguard contacted vessels using the traffic separation scheme as there was a danger of the yacht drifting into their path.

Due to the darkness, heavy driving rain and swell the small yacht was difficult to spot on the lifeboat’s radar so the solo yachtsman was requested to launch a red distress flare to help locate him. This was spotted by the volunteer lifeboat crew and they arrived on scene at 1.10am

After checking that the yachtsman was safe and well, the lifeboat crew established a tow with the casualty vessel and proceeded to tow the yacht to Newlyn at 1.50am

Steady progress was made and the lifeboat arrived with the casualty vessel at Newlyn at 6.20am

Once the casualty vessel was safely secured in Newlyn harbour the Tamar class lifeboat returned to the Lifeboat Station and was recovered and made ready for service by 8.15am

Ends.

Notes to editors

Attached image show Sennen Cove Lifeboat towing the casualty vessel towards Newlyn harbour at 6.00am - Photo RNLI/ Tim Stevens

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For more information please telephone Brian Simpson, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01736 871631, or 07762 057127 or [email protected], or Tim Stevens, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07971518403 or [email protected] or Marianne Quinn, Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847 or [email protected], or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789

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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 142,200 lives.

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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.