Donate now

The Lizard Lifeboat Launched to Assist Lone Yachtsman

Lifeboats News Release

Our crew pagers sounded at 13.21pm and RNLB Rose launched on service soon after to locate and subsequently assist a lone yachtsman in a position of 15 nautical miles South West of Lizard Point.

Terry Thirlaway

The casualty had been at sea for 9 nine days and was physically exhausted in a 9 meter yacht which was suffering from lack of engine power and was struggling to make way. Following a prompt launch and under the command of Second Coxswain Darren Thirlaway, RNLB Rose proceeded to the yachts position and arrived on scene a short time later.

It was clear that the yacht was unable to continue its passage at this time and though the vessel may have been able to sail the casualty himself was in need of assistance. Sea conditions on scene were described as uncomfortable at times. The decision was taken to tow the yacht to the nearest and safest port and this would be Newlyn Harbour. A lifeboat crew member went aboard the vessel and the yacht was safely towed into Newlyn.

Once ensuring that the very grateful yachtsman and his vessel were safe and secure, RNLB Rose headed for home at Kilcobben Cove, arriving there at approximately 19.45pm. The lifeboat was then rehoused, refuelled and made ready for service again when required.

Terry Thirlaway

RNLI/Lyndsay Bray

Shore Crew preparing for the lifeboat arriving home

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, Twitter 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.