Solo Yachtswoman’s Journey Interrupted by Head Injury Rescue

On the evening of Tuesday, 14 May 2024, Padstow RNLI volunteers responded to reports of an overdue yacht, the Pink Delta.

The yacht, sailed solo around the UK by Freya Terry to raise awareness of mental health issues, had not arrived as expected, prompting a search.

Search and Rescue Operations

At 7.27pm, the lifeboat launched to search 27 miles north of Trevose, the last known position of the yacht. However, the yacht was not found at the expected location. During the search, Falmouth Coastguard received updated information indicating that the Pink Delta was not due at Padstow Harbour until the next day, 15 May. Consequently, the lifeboat crew was stood down and returned to the station.

Emergency Response to Locator Beacon

As the crew arrived back at the station at 10.20pm, they were alerted by a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) from the Pink Delta. The new location was 16.5 miles northwest of Stepper Point. Coastguard Helicopter 924 was also dispatched to assist. Upon arrival, the helicopter confirmed the presence of the Pink Delta and stood down.

Aid to Injured Skipper

Two Padstow lifeboat crew members boarded the yacht and found Freya Terry had fallen and hit her head. Due to challenging conditions, the crew decided to stay onboard with Freya while the lifeboat towed the yacht. By 3.33am, the yacht was safely moored in the Camel Estuary, and Freya was transferred to the lifeboat and taken back to the station at Trevose. Paramedics assessed Freya and took her to the Royal Cornwall Hospital for observation.

Statements from the Rescuers and the Skipper

Padstow Coxswain Richard Pitman commended Freya for having the means to call for help and expressed relief that they could assist. “We don’t see many bright pink yachts,” he remarked, wishing her well for the rest of her journey.

Freya expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying, “I’m confident I did everything I could to keep myself as safe as possible but there are always lessons to be learned. I’m glad to know that even when I was experiencing communication problems, the systems I’d put in place worked. I’m so grateful to everyone involved in the search, and to Falmouth Coastguard and Padstow RNLI for their support.”

Continuing the Voyage

Now safe and well, Freya has returned to her yacht, preparing for the next leg of her voyage. Her journey aims to raise awareness for mental health, particularly among young people. For more information about Freya’s journey, visit her website at she-sails.co.uk.