Lizard Lifeboat Launch to Yacht having Hit Rocks

RNLB Rose was required to go to the assistance of a yacht with five persons on board just southeast of Lizard Point. The yacht had struck rocks and was taking in a slow ingress of water. A prompt launch followed at 6.02pm under the command of Second Coxswain Darren Thirlaway, the yacht was now just visible in front of the lifeboat station and RNLB Rose arrived on scene at 6.10pm.

Two lifeboat crew members went aboard the yacht and confirmed that the hull of the vessel had sustained a crack from the force of the rocks it had hit struck and water was coming in at that point. The yachts own salvage pump was able to manage the flow of water coming in, the lifeboats salvage pump was also placed on board but not used. It was decided to transfer the adult female and three children from the casualty vessel on to the lifeboat as a precaution should the situation on board the yacht deteriorate.

The yachts skipper remained on board the vessel along with the two lifeboat crew, and whilst being escorted by RNLB Rose, it was able to make a slow passage to Falmouth under its own power. The ingress of water was constantly monitored throughout the passage. Upon arrival in Falmouth, arrangements had been made for the yacht to be placed on the North Harbour wall from where it would be lifted from the water this morning. After a quick refreshment break and once ensuring all was well with the yacht and its occupants, our crew were able to return to station, arriving back on the slip at Kilcobben Cove at 10.20pm. RNLB Rose was then rehoused, refuelled and made ready for service again when required 10.50pm

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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