It was 11:25 pm on Monday evening when the coastguard alerted Falmouth Lifeboat Station that there had been a collision at sea, some twelve miles south east of Zone Point, and their assistance would be required. Despite the late hour the lifeboat was on its way to the scene at 11:35 arriving at 00:17 am. Having ascertained that all four persons on board were safe and well, and no injuries had been sustained in the incident, a tow was passed and the long job of towing the vessel back to harbour began.

Because of the adverse weather conditions, force 5-6 winds, moderate swell and rough sea, it was obvious that the tow was going to take some time. Luckily there was a clear sky and the visibility was good, so by just after 03:00 am the lifeboat and its tow were passing St Anthony light on Zone Point and entering harbour.

The yacht has sustained damage to its bow section, including the bow roller and forestay which is one of the main supports for the mast. The lifeboat brought the casualty alongside a berth at Pendennis Marina where the grateful crew of the yacht made their vessel secure and waited for morning to come so they could initiate repairs. They were not sure what vessel they had collided with but thought it may have been a fishing trawler. The lifeboat crew did not see any other vessel in the area in need of assistance.

By 03:20 am the lifeboat was back on its mooring and some fifteen minutes later, after a wash down and refuelling, Richard Cox Scott was ready once again for immediate action.

Notes to editors
• The crew on this rescue were: Mark Pollard (Coxswain), John Blakeston, Dave Proud, Jonathan Hackwell, Andy Jenkin, Tom Bird and Adam West.