Yacht in Trouble 30 Miles off Cornish Coast: RNLI Launch Night-Time Tow

Merchant vessel raises alarm

Volunteer crew from Padstow RNLI were preparing for their regular Wednesday evening training launch on 21st May 2025 when they were called into action by the Coastguard.

The alarm was raised by a large merchant vessel, reporting safety concerns for those onboard a yacht approximately 30 miles north of Trevose Head.

Two crew board the yacht

Padstow RNLI’s lifeboat launched immediately and arrived on scene at 7.20pm. After assessing the situation, Coxswain decided the safest option was to tow the yacht to the nearest harbour.

Two RNLI crew members boarded the yacht to assist the skipper while the tow got underway.

Eight-hour rescue mission

The lifeboat successfully brought the yacht into Padstow Harbour, with the crew returning to station after eight hours at sea.

They refuelled and were ready for service again by 2.03am.