THE RNLI’s Penlee Lifeboat Station was called to assist a small sailing dinghy yesterday morning (June 1) which was seen to be struggling in breezy conditions two miles south of St. Michael’s Mount.

Tasked by Falmouth Coastguard, the all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat Ivan Ellen was launched at 11.30am by coxswain Neville Pittman with a crew of five RNLI volunteers. The crew found on arrival that the sailing dinghy’s outboard had failed.

Assessing the situation, the coxswain determined that there was risk involved in leaving the dinghy to make its own way and elected to put a line on board and tow the vessel to the nearest port.

The casualty vessel did not have a VHF radio and the coastguard had been alerted by the person’s wife.

Following the rescue, a Penlee Lifeboat Station spokesperson reiterated: “Always carry a means of calling for help.

“Consider having an additional method like the SafeTrx app. You can also use this app to plan your voyage, and it can alert the coastguard if you are overdue. You should also register your vessel with the coastguard through this app.

“Ensure your engine is well maintained. Plus always carry enough fuel for your journey, and adequate tools and spares.”