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RNLI Penlee tasked to a sailing dinghy

Lifeboats News Release

RNLI Penlee’s all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat the Ivan Ellen was diverted from an exercise at 12 noon on Saturday 8th June after being tasked by Falmouth Coastguards to a 14ft sailing dinghy which had got into difficulties south of Penzance Harbour.

A photo of a lifeboat under way

RNLI

RNLI Penlee lifeboat Ivan Ellen (file photo)
A member of the public noticed a person in a sailing dinghy was waving for help and rightly reported this to Falmouth Coastguard via a 999 call.

Penlee Lifeboat with her crew of seven volunteers located the vessel one mile south of Penzance drifting south in a moderate northerly wind, Coxswain Patch Harvey decided to tow the vessel to the entrance of Penzance Harbour, the nearest safe port.

As it was low tide and very shallow water the Y boat was launched from the Ivan Ellen to tow the dinghy into harbour, Penlee Lifeboat returned to Newlyn and made ready for service at 1pm.

Always carry a means of calling for help. Consider having an additional method like the SafeTrx app. You can also use this app to plan your voyage, and it can alert the coastguard if you are overdue. You should also register your vessel with the coastguard through this app

Tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back. They can raise the alarm with the coastguard by calling 999 or 112 if you are overdue. Consider using a SafeTrx app to plan your voyage as it can alert the coastguard if you are overdue.
Remember if you see anyone in difficulties on the water ring 999 and speak to the Coastguard.

Notes to editors
Penlee RNLI is based in Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 5HW. The volunteers crew an all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat the Ivan Ellen and a B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat the Mollie and Ivor Dent. The Penlee Lifeboat has a rich 200 years history of saving lives at sea.
RNLI media contacts For more information, please contact Phil Monckton, Penlee Lifeboat Press Officer on 07879818095 or [email protected], or Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Manager [email protected] or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Officer, on 07786 668847 or [email protected].



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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