A DRIFTING sailor had to be rescued by The Lizard lifeboat crew after their vessel lost power as was left drifting 200m from the shore.

The Lizard RNLI Lifeboat Station was launched on Wednesday (July 27) at 8pm after Falmouth Coastguard received a 999 call from the person on board the 15 foot open boat.

The boat had lost all engine power and was drifting off the shore near Ogo-Dour Cove, south of Mullion Cove. It was decided to tow the stricken vessel back into Mullion Harbour, bfore their arrival back at the harbour, the smaller Y-boat was launched from the lifeboat to escort the boat into the cove.

The stricken vessel under tow

The stricken vessel under tow

In a post on its Facebook page the Lizard lifeboat station said: "Following a 999 call to the coastguard from the casualty vessel, The Lizard Lifeboat launched on service at 8pm last night – Wednesday, July 27.

The 15ft open boat with one person on board had lost all engine power and was drifting approximately 200m from shore near Ogo-Dour Cove, south of Mullion Cove. Upon arrival on scene it was quickly ascertained that the boat had no means of power or propulsion so the decision was taken to attach a tow line and safely take the boat in to Mullion Harbour.

The lifeboat returns to station

The lifeboat returns to station

"Prior to their arrival in to the harbour the smaller Y-boat was deployed from the lifeboat to safely escort the boat in to the cove. RNLB Rose arrived back at her station at Kilcobben Cove at 9.15pm where she was re-housed, refuelled and made ready for service again when required by 9.35pm.

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Photographs: The Lizard RNLI