Fishing Boat Rescued Near Grebe Rocks After Propeller Fails

RNLI launch after lobster boat gets into difficulty off Cornish coast

Penlee’s all-weather lifeboat ‘Ivan Ellen’ was launched at 12:43pm today, 4th June 2025, following a request from Falmouth Coastguard to assist a 30ft fishing vessel that had suffered a fouled propeller near the Grebe rocks.

Anchor dropped to prevent drifting ashore

The vessel, which had two people on board, was hauling lobster pots when the propeller became fouled. To stop drifting closer to the shore, the crew dropped anchor. A local charter vessel responded to the vessel’s Pan-Pan call and was able to secure a rope, holding the boat steady until help arrived.

Lifeboat tows boat back to safety

Coxswain Patch Harvey, along with six volunteer RNLI crew members, assessed the situation and decided the safest course of action was to tow the fishing boat to the nearest safe harbour.

The Penlee lifeboat took over the tow in a westerly force 4 wind and slight sea, and brought the casualty into Newlyn harbour.

After the rescue, the ‘Ivan Ellen’ was washed down, refuelled and made ready for service again by 2pm.