Falmouth RNLI’s all‑weather lifeboat crew launched early on Sunday morning after a yacht with two people on board lost its rudder more than 30 nautical miles south‑south‑east of Pendennis Head.
Volunteer crews were paged at 7.10am following a request from Falmouth Coastguard to assist the disabled vessel.
The all‑weather lifeboat Decibel Too departed its mooring at 7.25am under the command of Joe Sibley, on his first shout as a qualified coxswain, accompanied by crew members Andy Edwards, Joe Amps, Abbi Hughes, Claudia Jenkin and David Jones.
Battling 5m swells and 30‑knot winds, the crew made steady progress through rough seas, arriving on scene at 9.15am.
The merchant vessel Federal Alster was already standing by, providing a lee to help shelter the stricken yacht.
With the yacht unable to manoeuvre and posing a potential hazard to shipping, the lifeboat crew decided the safest option was to take it under tow.
A tow line was successfully established, and the slow return to Falmouth began.
After a long passage home, the lifeboat and yacht entered Falmouth shortly after 2pm, around seven hours after launching.
The shout marks a significant milestone for Coxswain Sibley and showcased the teamwork and endurance of the volunteer crew in demanding offshore conditions.
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