Newquay RNLI Volunteers Rush to Aid Yacht in Distress

Photo Credit: Lifeboat camera image of Mark Morris re-boarding Newquay RNLI’s Atlantic 85, ‘Uncle Johnny’.

On the evening of Tuesday, 26 March, what was set to be a routine monthly meeting for the volunteers of Newquay’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) took an unexpected turn.

The gathering was suddenly interrupted when the Launch Authority on duty, Phil, noticed a sailing yacht off Newquay Harbour struggling against the ebbing tide.

Phil quickly established contact with the yacht via VHF radio, learning from the skipper that the vessel was not only experiencing engine trouble but was also out of fuel. Given the yacht’s precarious situation, compounded by deteriorating weather conditions and the risk posed by the swell, a swift action plan was devised.

Teamwork in the Face of Adversity

From the group of volunteers present at the meeting, a skilled boat crew was promptly assembled, including Helm Ross, Station Trainer and Helm Mark, alongside volunteers Luke and Tom. The expertise of Ross and Mark, both seasoned fishermen familiar with the local waters, was crucial. They concurred with Phil’s assessment that the yacht and its occupants were in imminent danger and needed immediate assistance.

The decision was made to launch the charity’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, deemed the most suitable vessel for the challenging conditions and the towing operation ahead.

A Coordinated Rescue Operation

Upon reaching the yacht, which was now battling increasing swell, Mark boarded the vessel to provide emergency fuel. He advised the skipper to anchor in deeper waters to ride out the incoming storm safely. Meanwhile, coordination with Falmouth Coastguard saw the involvement of Padstow Lifeboat, tasked with assisting in the situation. The coastguard directed that the yacht be towed to Padstow for mooring and necessary repairs.

The rescue operation saw Newquay’s crew work in tandem with their Padstow counterparts. A Padstow crew member was transferred to the yacht, and the tow line from Newquay’s Atlantic 85 was handed over to Padstow’s all-weather lifeboat, ‘Spirit of Padstow’. Following this successful transfer, Mark rejoined Ross and the Newquay crew to head back to their station, arriving at 10.20 pm.

A Long Night and a Cause Identified

For the yacht’s occupants and the Padstow Lifeboat Volunteers, the night was far from over. They reached Padstow only at 4.15 am, after a demanding journey. Subsequent investigations by the yacht’s skipper unveiled a split fuel line as the cause of the ordeal.

The incident highlights the vital role of RNLI volunteers who stand ready to respond to emergencies, demonstrating remarkable teamwork and dedication to the safety of those at sea. Their prompt action and the collaborative effort across different stations ensured the yacht and its occupants were brought to safety, averting potential disaster.