Perranporth, UK - May 1, 2024

RNLI volunteers from multiple stations sprang into action on Monday afternoon (29 April) to aid a distressed yacht off the coast of Perranporth. In challenging conditions with strong onshore winds, lifeguards at Perranporth spotted the vessel struggling near the shore.

The lifeguards promptly launched the rescue watercraft and approached the yacht's crew, who revealed they had lost power and their communication equipment was malfunctioning. Concerns grew as the weather deteriorated, posing a risk of the yacht drifting into the surfing area.

To prevent a potential disaster, the Coastguard mobilized RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews from St Agnes and Newquay. St Agnes RNLI’s D-Class lifeboat and Newquay RNLI’s Atlantic class lifeboat were dispatched to assist, while lifeguards remained on standby.

After assessing the situation, a decision was made to initiate a tow. The Padstow RNLI’s Tamar class lifeboat joined the rescue efforts to take over the tow, navigating through challenging conditions. St Agnes RNLI lifeboat crews accompanied the yacht until it was safely handed over to the Padstow RNLI lifeboat.

With the yacht and its crew under the care of Padstow RNLI, St Agnes and Newquay lifeboat crews returned to their stations. Padstow RNLI then towed the yacht back to the lifeboat mooring in the River Camel due to low tide preventing entry into Padstow Harbour.

The successful operation highlighted the seamless coordination and teamwork among RNLI crews, showcasing their training and dedication to maritime safety. Emma Watkins, Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager for St Agnes RNLI, commended the collective effort, emphasizing the importance of collaborative rescue operations in ensuring the highest standards of safety at sea.