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First Launch for the Relief Tamar on Station at The Lizard

Lifeboats News Release

A first launch on service for the relief Tamar class lifeboat RNLB Mollie Hunt on when a launch request was received by our duty Launch Authority.

RNLI/The Lizard RNLI

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With the launch authorised our crew pagers sounded at 3.49pm, the lifeboat under the command of duty Coxswain Darren Thirlaway launched on service at 4.15pm.Our tasking was to go to the assistance of a yacht with 2 people on board in an approximate position of 1.5 nautical miles southeast of Lizard Point. Neither of the yacht’s occupants were in need of any medical assistance. Communication between the yacht and Falmouth Coastguard was broken and until arrival on scene it was unclear as to why the yachts occupants and put out a Pan Pan call for assistance.

A full and thorough assessment of the vessel took place and it was soon ascertained that having become becalmed, the yachts alternator had failed disabling it from moving. The yachts location was concerning because it was drifting close to the shoreline, therefore the decision was taken to tow it to the nearest and safest port – Falmouth.

A line was then attached and the tow to Falmouth commenced with the lifeboat and yacht arriving in Falmouth harbour at 7.25pm. Following a short refreshment break for the crew, the lifeboat returned to Kilcobben Cove at 9.44pm where she was rehoused, refuelled and made ready for service again when required by 10.22pm.

* Rather poignantly upon arrival in Falmouth, RNLB Rose could be seen moored up in Falmouth harbour *

RNLI/The Lizard RNLI

RNLB Rose awaiting engineers in Falmouth Harbour
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RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Lyndsay Bray, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for South West England, 07786 668847, [email protected]

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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.

About the author

Lyndsay Bray
Lifeboat Press Officer, The Lizard Lifeboat Station

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