The yacht, White Spirit, on passage from Falmouth to Milford Haven via Newlyn, had suffered a mechanical failure of the steering gear and as they were so close to the Manacles the crew decided to call for assistance early. On arrival the lifeboat crew could see that the yachts crew of two had managed to sort out their emergency steering system and shortly afterward, were able to get under way themselves, and with the lifeboat escorting them, made their way to the safety of Pendennis Marina, where they could effect repairs before proceeding on their journey.

Dave Nicoll, a lifeboat crew member stated; ‘Although the two crew were well set up for their passage they decided to call for help sooner rather than later due to their close proximity to the rocks. They successfully rigged their emergency steering system and were then able to proceed under their own steam into Falmouth Harbour, escorted all the way by the lifeboat.’

The All Weather lifeboat was released back to station at 11.21 am and by 11.24 was washed down, refuelled and ready for service again.

Notes to editors

• The volunteer crew for this mission were: Mark Pollard (Coxswain); John Blakestone; Dave Proud; Andy Rowe; Chris Beardmore; Tom Bird; Jonathan Hackwell and Dave Nicoll.