At 19:04 while attending a previous incident involving a racing yacht ashore at Middle Point, both the Inshore Lifeboat and Pilot Boat Arrow observed the 37ft Yacht Incite heading for the rocks at Crab Quay on Pendennis Point, the yacht advising Falmouth Coastguard of its predicament on Channel 16.

The Inshore Lifeboat headed straight towards the yacht and on arriving on scene at 19:05 the inshore lifeboat was manoeuvred close to the rocks and a towline was passed, just as the yacht grounded for the first time. Within two minutes the yachts bow had been pulled round into the weather and she was being towed clear of the rocks. At 19:20 the yacht was in open water and having checked for any water ingress it was able to drop the tow and proceed back into harbour using its engine.

The Inshore Lifeboat was then tasked to check out the situation with the first casualty, Yacht Sword before returning to obtain details from the two crew onboard the Yacht Incite, which was back at its berth in Port Pendennis Marina at 19:45.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 19:55 where it was refuelled, rehoused and was ready for service by 20:10.

The 37ft Yacht Incite had also been racing and while tacking close to Pendennis Point had fouled its foresail and before this could be cleared had been driven onto the rocks. If the Inshore Lifeboat had not been in the vicinity and acted as quickly as it had the yacht would certainly have been badly damaged, if not become a total loss and the lives of its two crew would have been put at considerable risk. As it was the yacht only suffered superficial damage to the base of its keel and rudder.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

- - - Sponsored Links - - -