St Ives RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat went to the assistance of the crew of a 34ft yacht which had broken down in the Hayle Bar area.
The St Ives inshore lifeboat Nora Stachura. Photograph: RNLI/Chris Salway
The alarm was sounded at 4.23am last Wednesday. The all-weather Shannon class lifeboat Nora Stachura launched under the command of coxswain Robert Cocking, with mechanic Barney Stevens and a crew of RNLI volunteers.
Once on scene, it became apparent that the yacht was in a dangerous position amid large breaking waves, and at risk of running aground.
With strong winds and a 2 to 3-metre swell, it was agreed to put a crew member on board the casualty vessel to assist the skipper. Once the tow line was safely attached, Nora Stachura began to move the vessel back out through the large surf. They made their way to St Ives.
The coxswain made the decision to put the yacht onto the lifeboat mooring and, once secured. they safely transferred the volunteer crew back onto the lifeboat.
“Without prompt RNLI intervention, the adverse weather and large breaking surf likely would have resulted in serious damage to the yacht and potential loss of life,” said Cocking.
