Fowey RNLI lifeboat crew rescue family and dog on broken-down boat
On August 6 at 9.12pm, Fowey all-weather lifeboat launched at the request of the Coastguard to assist an 18ft sailing boat one mile south of the Dodman.
There were two adults and two young children on board, plus a dog. The emergency call was interrupted before the call was completed and the Coastguard were concerned.
Travelling in a north easterly wind, the eight man volunteer lifeboat crew made best speed to the location and got to the reported area at 10.14pm. On arrival, assisted by Mevagissey Coastguard, the crew launched three parachute flares to illuminate the area so they could try and locate the exact position of vessel.
The woman on board the stricken boat was able to give directions to the lifeboat crew after seeing some fireworks going off in the distance.
The crew found the boat drifting with a small outboard engine that had failed. The family with a six-year-old, an eight-year old and their dog were on their way to Penzance. The family and the dog were transferred to the lifeboat.
The boat was towed the 10 nautical miles back to Fowey at an average speed of 3.2 knots, using a drogue which is deployed off the stern and towed in the water, helping to keep the boat straight and from going too fast.
St Austell coastguard met the boat back in Fowey and the family were taken to the lifeboat station and given refreshments while awaiting transport.
Before entering the water, the RNLI advise that people undertake checks of their personal water craft to ensure it is not damaged, and suggest that people always carry spare parts.
It is essential to carry a device to contact HM Coastguard and dial 999 if you find yourself in any trouble.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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.