St Ives RNLI launched to investigate drifting yacht off Newquay
Lifeboats News Release
At 12.50pm on Monday 12 May, St Ives RNLI all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was tasked by HM Coastguard following reports of a yacht spotted adrift approximately 20 miles northwest of Newquay. The vessel had been reported missing earlier that morning, prompting concern for the safety of anyone on board.
The yacht was located by a passing fishing vessel, which observed it under sail but drifting with the tide and with no visible crew on deck. St Ives RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew launched the all-weather lifeboat Nora Stachura promptly and made best speed to the area.
As the lifeboat approached the yacht, the skipper emerged from below deck. The volunteer lifeboat crew went alongside to check on his welfare and confirmed he was safe and well. At the request of HM Coastguard, the crew asked the skipper a series of questions regarding his passage.
The skipper explained that earlier in the day, a rope had become tangled around the propeller but he had been able to clear it successfully. However, he was still experiencing issues with propulsion and had no forward drive. The RNLI coxswain offered assistance but the skipper declined.
Rob Cocking, RNLI Coxswain for St Ives RNLI lifeboat, says “Our crew responded quickly to what could have been a serious incident. Thankfully, the skipper was safe and able to manage the situation on his own. We’d like to remind all boaters to regularly maintain their engines, carry sufficient fuel for the entire journey and ensure they have the right tools and spare parts on board.”
After relaying all gathered information to HM Coastguard, it was jointly decided that no further action was required. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.
If you're heading out to sea this summer, don't forget to download the RNLI's essential boating checklists to keep you safe on the water. Visit RNLI.org/boostskills.
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 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 146,000 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.
