RNLI Penlee Assists Injured Yachtsman and Responds to Rinsey Head Call-Out

RNLI Penlee were called out twice this week by Falmouth Coastguard, first to a suspected kayaker in difficulty near Rinsey Head and then to provide urgent medical aid to an injured crewman aboard a yacht south of Tater Dhu lighthouse.

Yachtsman Taken to Newlyn for Treatment

Just before 12pm on 20th August 2025, RNLI Penlee were tasked to assist a yachtsman who had suffered injuries while aboard a vessel four miles south of Tater Dhu lighthouse.

Relief coxswain Neville Pittman and a crew of RNLI volunteers made best pace in fine conditions to rendezvous with the yacht. Neville's thanks go to the Saint Piran, the enforcement vessel operated by Cornwall IFCA, which was already on scene. The enforcement vessel's dinghy was used to transfer the injured crewman to the lifeboat.

The yachtsman was taken into Newlyn for treatment. RNLI volunteers Jason Ward, Stuart Farrell and Aaron Clayton boarded the yacht to assist during the incident.

The yacht made her own way into Newlyn where she was safely moored. Penlee's all-weather lifeboat Ivan Ellen was then prepared for the next call.

False Alarm at Rinsey Head

The previous evening, on 19th August just before 9pm, Penlee's inshore lifeboat was also tasked by Falmouth Coastguard to reports of a kayaker clinging to a buoy near Rinsey Head.

When the lifeboat arrived, they found the man safe and well, happily fishing from his kayak. He had all the necessary equipment and a light, so the lifeboat was not required and returned to Newlyn.