Sennen Cove and Penlee RNLI Volunteers Assist Yacht in Distress During Training Exercise

Training mission becomes urgent rescue as small yacht takes on water near the Runnelstone

A planned RNLI training exercise on the evening of Thursday 17th July turned into a live rescue mission for the volunteer crews from Sennen Cove and Penlee, after a small yacht lost propulsion and steering near the Runnelstone buoy.

From Exercise to Emergency

The Tamar class all-weather lifeboat City of London III launched from Sennen Cove at 7.00pm under the command of RNLI volunteer Kirstan Gorvin, carrying a crew of seven. Alongside, the D class inshore lifeboat Arangy also launched with four volunteers, helmed by Tom Nicholas.

The crews were heading to a joint exercise with Penlee’s inshore lifeboat (ILB) near Porthcurno when they learned that the Penlee team had been diverted to assist a disabled yacht with two people aboard, which had lost all propulsion and steering.

Taking on Water

By the time the Sennen Cove lifeboats reached the scene, the Penlee ILB had already attached a tow and begun heading towards Newlyn, the nearest safe port. However, ten minutes into the tow, the yacht’s crew reported that water was entering the vessel through the stern tube.

With only a hand pump onboard, Penlee requested help from Sennen Cove’s team. Two Sennen crew members were transferred from the all-weather lifeboat to the yacht via the D class ILB to assess the situation.

After evaluating the ingress of water, the volunteers requested the transfer of a salvage pump from the City of London III. One of the yacht’s original crew was then moved to the all-weather lifeboat to make room for the pump and extra crew aboard the yacht.

Stabilised and Towed to Safety

Thanks to quick thinking and teamwork, the RNLI crews managed to stabilise the water ingress and make the yacht safe for continued towing. The Penlee ILB continued towing the vessel towards Newlyn, escorted by the Sennen Cove all-weather lifeboat.

At 8.23pm, near Lamorna Cove, the D class ILB was released to return to Sennen Cove. This journey is believed to be the furthest the inshore lifeboat has ever travelled from Sennen Cove on a service.

The remaining lifeboats arrived at Newlyn Harbour at around 9.10pm. Before entering the harbour, the tow was shortened, the salvage pump and two Sennen crew were recovered, and the yacht’s crew returned aboard. The Penlee volunteers then brought the vessel safely into the harbour.

The City of London III returned to Sennen Cove and was recovered up the short slip at 9.50pm, ready once again for service.

‘A Great Example of Teamwork’

Kirstan Gorvin praised the volunteers, saying:

‘Both volunteer crews worked extremely well together to help the yacht. A great example of teamwork between the charity’s two lifeboat stations.’

RNLI crews from Sennen Cove and Penlee continue to serve the coast with dedication and skill, always ready to respond even when the call comes mid-exercise.

📷Sennen Cove lifeboats. - Credit: RNLI/Timothy Stevens