THE crew of the Lizard lifeboat were surprised to discover that a capsized fishing boat they were sent on a six hour trip to recover actually belonged to a former colleague.

The crew were called out last Thursday afternoon at 12.30pm following a report of an eight-metre fishing vessel sighted lying upside down 25 miles south west of The Lizard.

When the crew eventually arrived at the scene it turned out the boat was unoccupied and had obviously been at sea for some time.

There didn’t appear to be anything untoward so the volunteer crew of RNLB Rose managed to refloat the vessel, pump it out and connect a rope to begin the tow into Mount’s Bay.

Ironically, it later transpired that the stricken boat had belonged to a former Lizard lifeboat crew now living on the Isles of Scilly. It had been reported missing from St Martins weeks before by its previous owner

“Upon arrival on scene it was quickly ascertained that there were no persons on board and the vessel had been in the water for some time,” said an RNLI spokesman. “No foul play was suspected and the volunteer crew of RNLB ‘Rose’ managed to refloat the vessel, pump it out, and connect a rope to begin the tow into Mount’s Bay bringing it out of harm’s way to any other vessels.”

Under the command of Coxswain Dan Atkinson the boat was brought into the vicinity of Newlyn Harbour where the crew of the Penlee Lifeboat took over the tow, handing over a welcome fish and chips supper in exchange.

After over six hours at sea RNLB Rose and her crew arrived back at the station at Kilcobben Cove shortly after 7pm.