Falmouth Coastguard requested RNLB Rose to launch on service to locate and render assistance to an
11meter sailing yacht in an approximate position of 8 nautical miles south east of Lizard Point.
Under the command of Second Coxswain Darren Thirlaway and with his 6 crew, the lifeboat launched shortly before 12.40am with an estimated time of 15minutes before arriving on scene. With 1 person on board the vessel and upon the lifeboat’s arrival on scene, an immediate welfare check was carried out with an assessment of the vessel and its occupant’s situation. Radio communication between the casualty and the Coastguard had been poor and first reports were that the vessel was taking on water. However following a thorough assessment, it was soon ascertained this was not the case, a problem with the steering was identified with thankfully no ingress of water found.
The skipper of the vessel appeared disorientated, confused and was clearly suffering from severe fatigue. With this in mind a lifeboat crew member went aboard the yacht whilst the decision was taken to attach a tow rope with the intention of safely taking the yacht into Falmouth harbour. Our crew member remained on board the yacht for the duration of the tow. The vessel was safely secured on a mooring in Falmouth at 4.05am and the very grateful casualty was again assessed as not needing any further medical assistance.
RNLB Rose began her journey home at 4.53am, arriving on her slipway at Kilcobben Cove at 5.14am. The lifeboat was then rehoused, refuelled and made ready for service again when required.
A second ‘throughout the night’ service in three days, and yet another excellent response to their pagers from our boat and shore crews.
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
