Lizard RNLI Lifeboat Launches to Assist Occupants of a Small Vessel in Distress
The Lizard RNLI Lifeboat launched on service shortly after 2.30pm on Saturday 23 July to go to the assistance of a French, seven meter yacht with five people on board, all of whom were wearing lifejackets.
However as the tow was underway, it was soon ascertained that due to the rough conditions on scene the yacht was not towing straight or safely and then began to take on water. In addition to the tow rope the decision was made to pass to the yacht the sea drogue which worked by providing substantial resistance through the water as the yacht was being towed by the lifeboat.
The drogue steadied the yacht and enabled the slow tow to Newlyn to commence. RNLB Rose had arrived in Newlyn with the yacht and its very relieved occupants just after 5pm. The lifeboat arrived back at the station where she was refuelled and made ready for service again by 7pm.
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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 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 142,700 lives.
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