Sennen Cove RNLI Rescues Two After Cruiser Sinks off Wolf Rock

Sennen Cove RNLI volunteers launched in the early hours of Friday 22nd August after a small motor cruiser with two people on board lost all power and became stranded four miles south-west of the Wolf Rock lighthouse.

Stranded at Sea

The motor cruiser had no navigation lights and its occupants, who were fatigued and unsure of their position, called for help. HM Coastguard Falmouth was able to pinpoint their location using direction finding equipment locked on to their mobile phone signal.

At 12.21am, the Tamar class all-weather lifeboat City of London III launched under the command of Coxswain Kirstan Gorvin with a crew of five.

The volunteers located the casualty vessel an hour later at 1.22am using the lifeboat's radar. In the busy waters south of the Lands End Traffic Separation Scheme, finding such a small craft was no easy task. The two people on board were exhausted and were transferred to the safety of the lifeboat.

Towed Towards Newlyn

With no lights, the cruiser posed a risk of collision and was also a hazard to other passing craft. The RNLI crew established a tow and began the journey towards Newlyn.

But progress came to a halt when the vessel was spotted sitting lower in the water, a sign it was taking on water. The tow was stopped and the crew used the lifeboat's salvage pump to try to save the boat. Despite their efforts, the motor cruiser sank shortly afterwards.

The two people rescued remained safe on board the lifeboat throughout.

Back to Shore

The lifeboat returned to Sennen Cove around 3.45am, where it was recovered up the slip and made ready for service again. The two people rescued were taken to their home in a nearby town by an RNLI volunteer.

Safety Advice from the RNLI

The RNLI has reminded the public of key safety steps that could save lives:

• Float to live. If you find yourself in the water unexpectedly, fight your instincts and float until the effects of cold water shock pass.

• If you see someone in trouble at the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

Coastal walking safety tips:

• Be wary of all edges around the sea and waterside.

• Take a means of calling for help.

• Check the weather and tide times.

Activity tips:

• Swimming – swim at a lifeguarded beach, between the red and yellow flags.

• Angling from rocks – wear a lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help.

• Kayaking – carry a means of calling for help and keep it on you.

• Scuba diving – check that you're fit to dive.

• Sailing and motorboating – wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, ensure everyone onboard knows how to call for help, get appropriate training, and check your engine and fuel before every trip.

• Paddleboarding – wear an appropriate leash and flotation device, and keep a means of calling for help on you.

For more advice on staying safe, visit RNLI.org/safety.

📷Sennen Cove ALB - Credit: RNLI/Timothy Stevens