ON THURSDAY (Jun 29), the Angle All-Weather Lifeboat embarked on a demanding mission, coordinated by Milford Haven Coastguard, to aid in the search and recovery of the missing yacht ‘Minke.’ The vessel had been overdue for six days, prompting an Irish fishing vessel to report its discovery. The yacht’s approximate location was identified as around 50 miles southwest of St Anne’s Head.

Following a distress call to the coastguard, the lifeboat was swiftly launched and set off towards the designated area, anticipating a two-hour journey. En route, an Irish coastguard helicopter, Rescue 117, reached the scene and deployed a winchman who confirmed the absence of anyone aboard the yacht. The fishing vessel that initially located the yacht remained in the vicinity as well.

At 6:10 pm, the lifeboat arrived at the scene, at which point Falmouth Coastguard took over coordination. The crew members were requested to transfer onto the yacht to investigate any possible information that could shed light on the occupant’s last known position.

At this juncture, R117 departed the scene, making way for Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R924 from Newquay, Cornwall. Given the extensive search area, a coastguard search plane, Rescue 51, was also deployed and promptly arrived, followed shortly after by Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R187 from St Athan.

With the Angle crew members now on board the yacht, new information emerged regarding the occupant’s last recorded position. As the lifeboat was out of VHF range, the information was relayed to Falmouth Coastguard via Rescue 51. Armed with this updated data, all search assets were stood down, as the search area had shifted significantly south.

Subsequently, Padstow Lifeboat was assigned the task of towing the yacht back to Padstow harbour. The Angle Lifeboat crew established the towline connection and began towing the vessel southward towards the rendezvous point with the Padstow Lifeboat.

After approximately an hour of towing, Padstow Lifeboat reached the scene. The Angle crew members released the towline and assisted the Padstow crew in securing their own towline to the yacht. Once confirmed that the tow was safely rigged, the Angle crew was recovered from the vessel and stood by momentarily.

With the towline and fenders stowed, the Angle Lifeboat commenced the two-hour return journey to Angle, where it was recovered, refuelled, and made ready for further service by midnight.

A heartfelt expression of gratitude goes to Milford Haven and Falmouth Coastguard MRCC’s, R117 from Ireland, R924 from Newquay, R187 from St Athan, Fixed-wing aircraft R51, Padstow Lifeboat, and the Irish fishing vessel. This remarkable operation exemplified the effective collaboration of multiple agencies working together seamlessly.