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Early morning page for St Ives RNLI to broken down yacht

Lifeboats News Release

St Ives RNLI all-weather lifeboat received a shout at 4.23am on 7 October to assist a 34ft broken down yacht in the area of Hayle Bar.

All-weather lifeboat being washed down by volunteer crew on the slipway

Chris Salway

St Ives Shannon class Nora Stachura 13-11
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The all-weather Shannon class lifeboat Nora Stachura launched under the command of Coxswain Robert Cocking, Mechanic Barney Stevens and their crew of RNLI volunteers. Once on scene it became apparent that the yacht was in a dangerous position with large breaking waves and at risk of running aground.

With strong winds and a 2-3 metre swell it was agreed to put a crew member on board the casualty vessel to assist the skipper. Once the tow line was safely attached Nora Stachura began to move the casualty vessel back out through the large surf and made their way towards St Ives.

The Coxswain made the decision to put the yacht onto the lifeboat mooring and once secured they safely transferred the volunteer crew back member onto the all-weather lifeboat.

The all-weather lifeboat was then recovered, washed down and made ready for service at around 7am.

Robert Cocking, St Ives Coxswain, said: 'Without prompt RNLI intervention, the adverse weather and large breaking surf likely would have resulted in serious damage to the yacht and potential loss of life'.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Kat Woods, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Kyle Reed, 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.

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