Arun saves yacht and skipper after long tow in severe weatherThe RNLI's chief of operations has written to thank the crews of both the Falmouth and Lizard lifeboats following a service involving both lifeboats on 16 February 1991.Falmouth's Arun class Elizabeth Ann was launched at 2140 at the request of the coxswain of The Lizard's Tyne class David Robinson, which already had L'Espoir, a40ft converted fishing boat, in tow and which was also standing by the yacht Innocence. The yacht was unable to make any headway five miles south west of Black Head and the Coastguard reported the weather conditions in the area as poor, with strong winds and a rough sea.

Drifting After nearly an hour and a half at sea in gale force winds Falmouth lifeboat, under the command of Second Coxswain Alan Barnes, came up on the yacht, a 40ft steel ketch, which was drifting two and a half miles south west of The Lizard Light.

Because of the difference in height between the Arun and the casualty, and the prevailing weather conditions, Second Coxswain Barnes decided that it would not be possible to go alongside without causing damage. The sole occupant of Innocence was asked to receive a tow and agreed - the only time the skipper of the yacht answered his radio.

The lifeboat was held close-to off the weather side of the yacht, a heaving line was passed and the tow rope paid out in a bight.

To help the casualty get the tow rope aboardthe lifeboat was manoeuvred ahead, and then down across the bows of the yacht. The tow was made fast, and paid out enough to keep the casualty synchronised on the second wave astern of the lifeboat, before a course was set to clear The Lizard.

At first the lifeboat and casualty were being carried astern by the wind and tide, so power was increased in order to make headway.

The coxswain considered taking the casualty to Newlyn at this point, which wasto leeward, but decided to continue to Falmouth, as that was the port which the casualty was trying to reach and was also the lifeboat's home port.

When power was increased he was concerned for the skipper on board the yacht, who did not answer his radio, and indeed the safety of the yacht herself. A crewman was instructed to keep the skipper illuminated with the searchlight for the duration of the long tow to safety.

Rounded As soon as The Lizard was rounded, more than an hour later, power was eased back and the tow continued towards Falmouth. Once past Black Head speed over the ground increased as the tidal stream lessened and on arrival at Falmouth the yacht was finally secured alongside the lifeboat and manoeuvred onto a mooring just after 0400. The whole service had taken some five and a half hours in gale force winds and heavy seas..