RNLI Penlee Tows Disabled Yacht to Safety Near Newlyn

One person aboard 36ft vessel as RNLI Penlee lifeboat responds to distress call

RNLI Penlee’s all-weather lifeboat Ivan Ellen was launched at around 9pm on Sunday 27th July 2025 to assist a yacht adrift off the coast of Newlyn.

Falmouth Coastguard tasked the lifeboat after a 36ft yacht with one person onboard reported engine failure and was unable to make headway due to light winds. The yacht was located 3.6 miles southeast of Newlyn.

Tow to safety

Under the command of Coxswain Patch Harvey, the volunteer crew from Penlee RNLI made their way to the vessel. After a risk assessment, Patch made the decision to tow the yacht to the nearest safe harbour. One crew member was placed aboard the yacht to assist.

A tow line was passed over and a steady tow at six knots was commenced. The vessel was brought safely into a berth at Newlyn Harbour shortly after 10pm.

Prepared for next call

The skipper of the yacht, who hoped the engine would be repaired soon, thanked the crew. The Ivan Ellen was made ready for service again by 10:30pm.