Fowey RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew rescue four people onboard broken down yacht

The yacht also had a broken mainsail and was making slow progress at 2 knots using its jib. The four people onboard the yacht which was 10 miles south east of Fowey, were on their way back home to Essex.

When the lifeboat reached the yacht, the crew were tired and had got to a stage where they just wanted a tow. Due to the sea conditions and swell, the cox decided not to put any lifeboat crew onboard the yacht as this would have risked damaging it. Instead he instructed the yacht’s crew to attach the tow line to the yacht. The lifeboat then towed the yacht with the four people onboard, back to safety in Fowey Harbour and handed them over to Harbour Patrol who put the yacht on a pontoon.

Fortunately the people had a means of calling for help so were able to contact the coastguard. Remember to keep boat engines and other equipment well maintained and always carry adequate tools, spares and fuel for your journey.

Find out more at rnli.org/boating

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.