Yachtsman rescued from capsized vessel in severe gale force winds off the Isles of Scilly

Coastguard picked up the mayday call in the early hours of this morning.

Author: Helen DownPublished 31st Oct 2020

A lone yachtsman has been rescued after his vessel capsized off the Isles of Scilly in severe gale force winds.

Newquay Coastguard rescue helicopter and St Mary's lifeboat attended the incident following a may day call early this morning.

The french yachtsman, who wasn't injured, and his 34 foot vessel have been towed back to harbour.

"The yachtsman described being hit by a large freak wave which capsized, rolled and disabled the vessel and with a such a severe gale forecast for the area this morning, it was important to get assistance out to this small sailing vessel quickly.

"Happily, the skipper of the vessel is uninjured and the RNLI crew of the St Marys lifeboat were able to secure a tow in challenging conditions and bring the vessel in to harbour on the Isles Of Scilly"