Falmouth RNLI Launch to Assist Yacht with Engine Fire Near Fowey

Falmouth RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was launched on Mothering Sunday after a yacht with two people on board suffered an engine fire at sea.

The crew of the lifeboat Decibel Too were paged at 11.10am on Sunday 15th March 2026, when Falmouth Coastguard requested assistance for Fowey RNLI.

Lifeboat launched in force 6 winds

The request related to a 14-metre yacht that had reported an engine fire while at sea. Two people were on board the vessel.

Falmouth’s all-weather lifeboat launched within 10 minutes of the pager alert and headed east at full speed. Conditions at the time included south westerly force 6 winds.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 12.30pm.

📷Credit: RNLI

Escort back to Fowey harbour

Initially, the plan was for the lifeboat crew to rig a tow. However, it was decided the yacht was still able to sail.

Instead, the vessel was escorted by the lifeboat back towards the safety of Fowey harbour.

Once inside the harbour, and with the help of the Fowey lifeboat crew, the yacht was manoeuvred alongside the lifeboat so it could be safely berthed on a pontoon.

Lifeboat returns to Falmouth

The lifeboat was released from service by the Coastguard at 1.52pm.

Decibel Too then made the return passage to Falmouth, arriving back at 2.38pm.

📷Credit: RNLI