Eight rescued from sinking ship

Eight people have been rescued after HM Coastguard responded to a call from a sinking yacht late last night (31 October).

Penlee RNLI Lifeboats and the Coastguard Helicopter from Newquay were sent to help the sailing vessel approximately two nautical miles off Mounts Bay, Cornwall.

All eight people were winched to safety by the Coastguard helicopter and taken to Newquay where they were met by the Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team.




James Instance, Maritime Commander at Falmouth MRCC, said: “They reported that a window broke at the water line, and they started taking on water fast.

“There were big seas last night and high winds, a very unfortunate time to find your vessel sinking but they quickly called for help which gave us the time to get to them.

“It was a particularly challenging rescue in the conditions, with time running out as the vessel drifted towards the rocks.

“The teams did very well to make quick and vital decisions to ensure everyone got back to shore safely.”

The Newquay helicopter was needed to winch the eight crew on board to safety                    Credit: Bob Sharples Photography



The vessel called a Pan Pan alert shortly before 8.30pm yesterday having lost its sail, taking on water and drifting towards rocks – but that was quickly upgraded to a Mayday distress call as operational staff became aware of how perilous the situation was.

The Penlee lifeboat arrived and attempted to evacuate the crew but, with the rough and stormy seas, it proved impossible to get the vessel alongside and, despite establishing a tow line, could not significantly pull the vessel away from the rocky shoreline.

The helicopter arrived and was able to quickly winch the eight crew members off the vessel and take them to safety.

The lifeboat was then able to tow the vessel to Newlyn.

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