Padstow RNLI: lone skipper towed in after yacht fouled off Trevose

A lone sailor found himself stuck fast on the sea bed off Trevose on Tuesday afternoon, his yacht’s propeller tangled and his own health starting to fail.

Padstow RNLI’s volunteer crew launched at 2.20pm on Tuesday 7 July after reports of a yacht in difficulties 8 miles north-northeast of Trevose. Port Isaac RNLI was tasked alongside them.

Two lifeboats and a fouled propeller

Port Isaac’s crew assisted the skipper in clearing the obstruction, which freed the yacht from the sea bed. Nearby fishing vessels were also tasked by the Coastguard and stood by ready to help.

A Padstow crew member went aboard the yacht to carry out a casualty care assessment of the skipper, who was sailing alone.

The propeller was fouled and the skipper was feeling unwell. Padstow RNLI’s Coxswain decided the safest option was to take the yacht under tow.

Towed home to the Camel

The yacht was towed safely to a mooring in the Camel Estuary at 4pm. Padstow lifeboat returned to station, was refuelled, and was ready for service again by 5pm.