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Under the command of Coxswain Darren Thirlaway, RNLB Eileen Muriel Rees launched at 11.40pm from Kilcobben Cove to an approximate position of 3 nautical miles south/south west of Lizard Point. Following a 999 call received by Falmouth Coastguard the lifeboat was instructed to proceed to this position in search of a 32’ yacht with one person on board which had reportedly lost control of its main sail which was in the water causing snagging to the prop/rudder and rendering the vessel motionless.
The yachts occupant who appeared a little disorientated, had stated that they were unable to reach/get to a VHF radio and was not wearing a lifejacket. At this time the yacht was not showing on AIS Marine Traffic so the position given to the lifeboat was approximate therefore the lifeboat proceeded cautiously. A short time later Falmouth Coastguard informed the Coxswain that they believed the yacht had been now been located on AIS and was potentially in an approximate position of 2 nautical miles south west of Longships Lighthouse, near to Sennen. Our colleagues at Sennen Cove Lifeboat Station were paged and took over the tasking.
In the meantime, we were asked to proceed to the initial scene and carry out a precautional search for a similar vessel. Once established and confirmed that nothing was to be found, Falmouth Coastguard stood down our crew allowing them to return to station. Arriving there at 12.38am the lifeboat was rehoused and made ready for service again when required by 12.55am.
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,
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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.
