St Agnes RNLI Lifeboat Launches to Research Vessel in Distress

The crew was paged at 2:45pm after the HM Coastguard Falmouth received reports of a survey boat with engine failure. Launching from a crowded beach just before high tide, the lifeboat made directly to the area near the Perranporth wave buoy. Arriving on scene after roughly ten minutes the crew found two people in a small inflatable anchored safely beyond the surf line.

RNLI volunteer helm Ed Schwarz said, “Both casualties had appropriate personal protective equipment and, while a little cold, were unharmed and in good spirits. They had been carrying out important survey work when their engine had failed. Because they had appropriate equipment and knew how to call for help, we were able to locate and assist them with relative ease.”

Having taken the casualty vessel under tow, it was decided that an approach to the beach at Perranporth was too risky. Backup was requested from St Agnes RNLI’s flanking station at Newquay and their Atlantic Class lifeboat was launched. Upon rendezvousing with the Newquay lifeboat, the casualty vessel was handed over and towed to safety in Newquay.

St Agnes RNLI lifeboat was refuelled, rehoused, and ready for service at 4:25pm.

For more information on how to stay safe and call for help from a small boat, visit

https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating#calling-for-help

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For more information please telephone Tom Knight, Lifeboat Press Officer on 07538 418391 [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 over 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 142,200 lives.

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, X, 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.