Penlee Lifeboat crews sprang into action early on Sunday morning to assist a lone sailor in distress.

Coxswain Patch Harvey, mechanic Tony Rendle, and five volunteers launched the temporary lifeboat at 5:20 am after Falmouth Coastguards reported a broken-down yacht just 20 miles from Land’s End.

The yacht had suffered rigging failure, leaving the individual onboard unable to control the vessel which was located 20 miles northwest of the Longships Lighthouse.

Sennen Cove Lifeboat Station had already deployed their vessel, located the yacht, and established a tow towards Newlyn.

Penlee crews intercepted the tow two miles north of Longships Lighthouse at 7:00 am and took over, successfully navigating the disabled vessel to Newlyn Harbour despite having to reconnect the tow twice.

The yacht skipper was very appreciative of the assistance provided by both lifeboat crews and Falmouth Coastguard. He was also treated to a sausage sandwich and coffee at the RNLI’s Penlee Lifeboat Station.

Later that day Penlee received another tasking request from Falmouth Coastguard. 

This time the B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat the Mollie and Ivor Dent was required after reports of a surfer in difficulties near Porthleven.

Luckily, the surfer got to shore safely before the inshore lifeboat had launched.