Two launches for Penlee RNLI
Two emergencies for Penlee RNLI in one day, to a swimmer in distress and an exhausted yacht crew.
The lifeboat, under the command of Helmsman Will Treneer and three RNLI volunteers, launched in a SE 4-5. As it got underway, Falmouth Coastguard informed the crew that the person had safely returned to shore. Consequently, the lifeboat was stood down.
Later that day, at the same request from Falmouth Coastguard, the Penlee All Weather Lifeboat ‘Ivan Ellen’ was tasked to locate and assist a 47ft yacht with four people onboard 8 miles SW of Newlyn. The yacht had been at sea for ten days after departing the Azores on the previous Saturday and had experienced steering and propulsion issues.
Patch Harvey stated: ‘We carefully assessed whether establishing a tow was the most appropriate course of action for rescuing a casualty in distress. In the absence of a more suitable vessel and considering the risks associated with the vessel’s condition and its crew, it was determined that towing was the best course of action for all involved. Therefore, the decision was made to tow the yacht to Newlyn Harbour.’
Penlee RNLI is based in Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 5HW. The volunteers crew an all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat the Ivan Ellen and a B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat the Mollie and Ivor Dent. The Penlee Lifeboat has a rich 200 years history of saving lives at sea.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Philip Monckton, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Penlee RNLI [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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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.