Penlee RNLI Assists Fishing Vessel After Engine Failure

Lifeboat Battle in 5-Metre Swell Saves Fishing Crew

A stricken fishing vessel with six crew on board has been brought safely into Newlyn Harbour after a lengthy overnight rescue in rough seas.

On Monday 2nd March 2026 at 5:30am, Falmouth Coastguard requested assistance from Penlee RNLI to help recover an 18-metre fishing vessel that had suffered engine failure around 20 miles north of the Isles of Scilly at approximately 10:30pm the previous night.

First Response in Poor Conditions

RNLI lifeboats were already dealing with challenging conditions in the area. St Mary’s RNLI had launched their Severn Class lifeboat The Whiteheads, arriving on scene shortly after midnight.

However, with a southerly force 7 to 8 wind, rough seas and a five-metre swell, conditions were described as poor. Other vessels offered assistance but, after assessing the situation, the St Mary’s lifeboat coxswain determined that the safest option was to tow the fishing vessel to Newlyn, the nearest safe haven.

Penlee Crew Takes Over Tow

Penlee RNLI’s all-weather Severn Class lifeboat Ivan Ellen, under the command of Coxswain Patch Harvey and crewed by six RNLI volunteers, slipped its moorings at 5:45am. The lifeboat headed northeast of Wolf Rock towards the agreed rendezvous point.

After what was described as a long and uncomfortable tow by the St Mary’s crew, the tow line was dropped at 7:15am and they returned to the Isles of Scilly.

Penlee then passed over their own towing rope and bridles to the fishing vessel and began towing at 7:30am.

Despite the challenging sea state, Ivan Ellen and the casualty vessel arrived safely into Newlyn Harbour at 11:15am.

Back Ready for Service

After more than five hours at sea, the Penlee lifeboat was refuelled, washed down and prepared once again for service.

Penlee RNLI is based in Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 5HW. The station’s volunteers crew the all-weather Severn Class lifeboat Ivan Ellen and the B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Mollie and Ivor Dent. The Penlee Lifeboat has a 200-year history of saving lives at sea.

For further information, media contacts listed by the RNLI include Phil Monckton, Penlee Lifeboat Press Officer, Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, and Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Officer.

📷File picture of Penlee Lifeboat - Credit: RNLI/Philip Monckton