Looe RNLI investigates reports of an overturned vessel
Looe RNLI volunteer crew launched the charity’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat to investigate reports of a possible overturned vessel south of Millendreath. A drifting jet ski pontoon was located and brought back into Looe, to prevent it becoming a navigation hazard
Last Thursday, 22 January 2026, saw the first shout in 2026 for Looe RNLI volunteer crews. Following multiple 999 calls reporting something resembling an overturned vessel to the South of Millendreath, Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) contacted our duty launch authority with a tasking request to investigate. Crew launch pagers were activated at 10.50 and ten minutes later volunteer shore crew were launching the charity’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Sheila and Dennis Tongue II. Leaving the river our crew negotiated choppy seas on the bar at the river estuary, before turning east towards Millendreath facing a moderate swell due to the easterly force 5 winds. Quickly arriving on scene our crew located a drifting jet ski pontoon, with debris attached, that may have washed off Millendreath beach on the previous high tide. After searching the area to ensure nothing else was present, our Helm discussed options with Falmouth Coastguard MRCC and it was decided to tow the pontoon back to the safe haven of Looe harbour, removing the risk to navigation for other vessels and preventing future 999 calls to the coastguard.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Photos:
· Stock image Looe RNLI Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II
leaving Looe negotiating heavy seas
Photo credit RNLI / Ian Foster
Video:
A video of Looe RNLI’s Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II launching on service 22 January 2026 is available for download using the following link.
Information:
· Re-established as an inshore lifeboat station in 1992, Looe RNLI operate two inshore lifeboats
An Atlantic 85 Sheila and Dennis Tongue II and a D Class Ollie Naismith II
· For further information on Looe RNLI Lifeboats please visit our website
https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/looe-lifeboat-station
· Looe RNLI Facebook page www.facebook.com/LooeRNLI
Media contacts
For more information please telephone
Ian Foster, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Looe Lifeboat Station, on 07902 753228 or [email protected] or [email protected]
or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on 07866 668847 or [email protected]
or Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead, on 07920 818807 or [email protected]
Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Duty Press Officer on 01202 336789
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.