Sennen Cove and Penlee RNLI volunteers search for yacht

The six Sennen Cove RNLI volunteers under the command of Duty Coxswain Kirstan Gorvin, were asked to search the coastline from Nanjizal to the south to Gwennap Head and then east towards Newlyn until they met up with their colleagues from Penlee Lifeboat Station who were searching from Newlyn towards Lands End.

Shortly after starting the search, the Sennen Cove all-weather lifeboat found the 26 foot yacht and its owner anchored in Nanjizal bay. The lone yachtsman decided to take shelter in the Nanjizal but due to the high cliffs surrounding the bay, communication with the coastguard wasn’t possible.

As there was no way of calling for help if needed and considering the potential change in sea conditions with the ebbing tide, it was agreed with the yachtsman that he be escorted to the nearest safe port of Newlyn.

The yachtsman raised his anchor and was escorted out of Nanjizal bay towards nearest safe port by the Sennen Cove RNLI volunteers who passed the escort over to the Penlee RNLI volunteers as they approached the Runnel Stone buoy.

The Penlee all-weather lifeboat then escorted the yacht to Newlyn harbour.

The City of London III was stood down to return to Sennen Cove where she was recovered up the long slip at 9.50 pm. The lifeboat was then washed down and made ready her next service.

Duty Coxswain Kirstan Gorvin said

‘It was good work with our colleagues from Penlee RNLI again. It was great to find the yachtsman on one piece and know that he is now safely moored in Newlyn harbour and out of any potential danger.’

Ends.

Notes to editors

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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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