St Ives RNLI inshore lifeboat assists fishing vessel in challenging conditions
At 2.56pm on Monday 20 October, St Ives RNLI received a direct call from their own Coxswain, Rob Cocking, reporting that a local fishing vessel was being blown across St Ives Bay in deteriorating conditions, faster than the vessel could safely manage.
The vessel had issued a mayday call, requesting immediate assistance after its anchor became fouled in Carbis Bay. Two people were on board, and a strong onshore breeze was pushing the vessel dangerously close to the surf line at Hayle.
Following the alert, the launch of the St Ives inshore lifeboat Donald Dean was authorised immediately. The lifeboat launched with three volunteer crew members onboard. The Coastguard was informed and remained aware of the situation throughout.
The inshore lifeboat arrived on scene quickly and assessed the vessel’s position and condition. The volunteer helm determined that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist. A tow was established, and the casualty vessel was safely brought back to St Ives Harbour without further incident.
The inshore lifeboat recovered to shore at 15:30, where it was washed down, refuelled and made ready for the next service call.
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
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