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Fowey RNLI lifeboat volunteers tow yacht with engine failure

Lifeboats News Release

On Thursday 19 September, Fowey volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat to assist a 40ft sailing yacht that had made a Pan Pan call. The yacht was on passage between Portishead and Plymouth, with two persons on board.

Fowey RNLI

Yacht being towed by Fowey lifeboat

The yacht had suffered engine failure and was stranded in light winds 3 miles off Fowey. There was no response to the Pan Pan from any other vessels in the area, so the coastguard requested the lifeboat launch in order to assess the situation.

Fowey crew located the yacht and ascertained that the crew were tired and sea sick. As the yacht was not making any progress under sail, and was not making good headway, the decision was made to tow the vessel back to safety into Fowey harbour.

Machinery failure is the largest single cause of RNLI lifeboat call-outs. Boat owners are reminded to ensure engines are well maintained and to always carry adequate tools and spares to fix any problems that may be encountered. Plus ensure there is enough fuel on board for the outward and return journey.

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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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.

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