Yesterday afternoon (19th) Falmouth's inshore lifeboat and volunteer crew were launched in response to a call from a single-handed yacht that had suffered engine failure.

A spokesperson for Falmouth RNLI said:

"Having followed procedures put in place due to Coronavirus, the inshore lifeboat Robina Nixon Chard launched with a crew of Helm Jamie Wakefield, Tom Bird, Tamara Brookes and Lloyd Barron.

"The casualty was a 9m yacht with one person aboard that had engine difficulties around 200m off Penarrow Point and was drifting towards the shore.

"With the limited wind to sail by and the vessel's engines playing up, the inshore lifeboat escorted and then towed the vessel away from the rocks and towards Falmouth Marina.

"The tow was passed to the Marina Workboat once in the Penryn river, and the inshore lifeboat was released to return to the station where it was disinfected and made ready for service."

The RNLI issued the following reminders:

- If you see someone who might be in trouble in the water or cut off by the tide, calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard is vital.

- The RNLI urges anyone planning a visit to the coast or on the water to follow RNLI safety advice.