Lizard lifeboat comes to the rescue of stranded yacht in Cornwall

Crews from the Lizard RNLI Lifeboat Station were called into action on Tuesday (July 2) after a yacht became motionless off the coast of Cornwall.

The incident unfolded during a routine training exercise for the lifeboat crew. While preparing for their scheduled launch at 6.30pm, the station’s radio picked up a transmission between Falmouth Coastguard and a yacht located 14 nautical miles south of the station.

The yacht reported engine failure but was still under sail and making slow progress towards Falmouth at only two knots.

Initially, the coastguard deemed assistance from the lifeboat unnecessary, allowing the training exercise to proceed as planned. However, after completing their exercise and before returning the lifeboat, RNLB Rose, to its station, the Lizard crew received a second call from the coastguard.

The yacht, which had two people on board, was now located just one nautical mile west of Coverack and had become becalmed with no wind to assist their sail, and their engine was still out of commission. Falmouth Coastguard requested the lifeboat’s assistance, which was promptly authorised by the Lizard Launch Authority.

RNLB Rose launched on service at 9.15pm and arrived on the scene at 9.37pm. Under the command of Relief Coxswain Amy Smith, the crew assessed the situation. With the engine failure, lack of wind, and the depth of the water preventing the yacht from anchoring, the decision was made to tow the vessel to the nearest port – Falmouth.

RNLB Rose and the yacht arrived in Falmouth at 11.40pm. The yacht was safely berthed, much to the relief of its grateful occupants and the lifeboat returned to its station at Kilcobben Cove, shortly before 1am.

The lifeboat was then rehoused and made ready for service again by 1.15am.