PENLEE Lifeboat Station’s all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat was launched to assist a yacht which had suffered engine failure on Thursday, October 9.

The Ivan Ellen was launched on service just before 6pm after receiving a tasking request from Falmouth Coastguard to a 36ft yacht which had suffered engine failure five miles south east of Newlyn with two persons onboard.

The yacht skipper had done his best to sail as close to Newlyn as possible but with little wind and no engine they required assistance.

Coxswain Patch Harvey launched quickly and with a crew of six RNLI volunteers made the short trip across the bay. Assessing the situation, ‘Patch’ decided the safest option was to tow the yacht to the nearest safe harbour Newlyn.

The Penlee lifeboat towed the yacht close to the harbour entrance then set up an alongside tow so that the yacht could be safely manoeuvred to a berth in the harbour.

The lifeboat was washed down and refuelled in preparation for its next service.