Penlee Lifeboat Diverted from Medevac to Assist Vessel Taking on Water

Helicopter Takes Over Medevac Mission

This morning, Penlee RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat Ivan Ellen was launched at 10am (17th July 2025) following a call from Falmouth Coastguard. The lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Amy Smith and crewed by five RNLI volunteers, was tasked with a medevac for a crew member who had sustained a leg injury aboard the container ship Cape Corfu, located 30 miles southwest of Mount’s Bay.

While on route to the casualty, a helicopter was reassigned to carry out the medevac, and the Ivan Ellen was diverted to another emergency.

Second Emergency off Pendeen

The Penlee crew was redirected to support Sennen Cove RNLI who had been sent to assist the potting vessel Emma Louise (TO60), a 6.42-metre boat that was reported to be taking on water off Pendeen.

Sennen Cove’s lifeboat City of London III had already rendezvoused with the Emma Louise, which had three pumps onboard. The Sennen team began escorting the vessel back to shore.

Safe Return to Newlyn

Upon reaching Land’s End, the escort was handed over to the Penlee lifeboat crew who continued the journey. The Ivan Ellen successfully escorted the Emma Louise back to safety in Newlyn harbour.