Silver Medal Rescue: How Penlee lifeboat crew saved 8 lives in a storm

Monday 31 October 2022. A yacht is taking on water off the coast of Cornwall. Penlee lifeboat crew launch to the rescue. 7m waves. 100mph wind. 8 people in danger. What happens next is the latest in a long history of incredible rescue stories by the RNLI.

Watch as the lifeboat crew involved in the rescue tell the story of how they tackled a dark and stormy night in their mission to save every one. And learn more about the incredible leadership and courage of Coxswain Patch Harvey that resulted in him being awarded the RNLI’s Silver Medal for Gallantry.

#rescue #bigseas #lifeboats #rnli #rnlifamily #savinglivesatsea #penlee

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland are ready to launch to help those in need. Whether you're stuck on a sinking ship, cut off by a rapidly rising tide, or in the water and close to drowning, RNLI crew members will drop everything to come to your rescue. The vast majority of RNLI lifeboat crews and station staff are volunteers.

But it’s not just lifeboats. RNLI lifeguards patrol 242 beaches, keeping people safe, providing safety advice and rescuing those in trouble. Education volunteers visit schools and swimming clubs to help teach the next generation how to enjoy the water safely. And volunteer fundraisers and shop workers give up their time to generate vital funds. The RNLI is also working to help communities around the world that are most at risk of drowning.

If you spot someone in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

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The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney, of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ. Clayton Engineering Limited (Registered No. 01274923). R.N.L.I. (Sales) Limited (registration number 2202240) also trading as RNLI Shop. RNLI College Limited (registration number 7705470). All companies are registered in England and Wales with registered offices at West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ.

[Birkguitars]

For those not used to the power of water the full extent of the danger this crew sailed into may not be apparent. Every cubic metre of water weighs a tonne. Being hit by a one metre wave is like being hit by a small car. Being hit by a seven metre wave is like being hit by a house. And these people are volunteers. They do this because they see the need and answer the call. They are the very best of us.

[marvindebot]

Not only 8 lives saved but the boat made it home with the yacht in tow which is amazing.
I've been in rescue and firefighting most of my life and I steadfastly maintain that there is no better service in rescue anywhere in the world than these guys, RNLI, you rock.

[DuncanEdwards-hk]

What do they have to do to get a gold medal or certificate? Die ? I know all but one of The Solomon Browne only got bronze, just the coxswain with gold, & they all died, hero's all the same. Bravery you could only imagine if not told about it. God bless them all, the ones still living, &, the ones who gave their lives. None will ever be forgotten.

[morzee]

The crew deserve every plaudit they get, amazing! However we should also shout out all the engineers who designed, built and maintained the Severn class from the early 90s to today. What a beast of a boat to be able to handle those seas and tow a yacht to safety.

[nickpage]

Thats what the Lifeboats are for I have never been a crew member but i come from a lifeboat family in Eastbourne so i know the bravery of the crew.A Big Thankyou to the men and women out there God Bless you all.STAY SAFE

[timgeorge]

Love you guys so much.. you’re always in my mind when I go sailing and I do absolutely everything possible not to need to get you out…
Direct debit continues ❤

[masontheratexterminator]

Our country is proud of each and every one of you, thank you all.

[JenniferBrown-nr]

Thomas George White Daniel Perez Kenneth

[PhotiniByDesign]

Amazing work folks, so proud of the people I have never met, well done...

[HelenRowland-jn]

I have total respect for patch and his team they are so brave stay safe sending you all lots of love and hugs

[fionastacey]

Heroes always. Your names will live forever ❤

[tugboats]

When I first looked at this video then I thought that its maybe about the story of Solomon Browne but no... It is next heroic Penlee Lifeboat crew doing their thing! I have sailed with Arun class lifeboat and I have to admit... It is brilliant boat... I can't imagine how good is Severn! Keep up good work RNLI!

[KennethDouglas-wh]

Bravo. Well deserved recognition for true bravery and heroism.

[StevenJohnson-jviw]

Cudos to your crew. NSRI Simonstown salutes you

[SallyDallyn]

This is what they do - amazing, the history of Penlee makes it even more so - selfless and brave

[ManxAndy]

The dedication and skill of all those involved, in such trying conditions…is so justifiably recognised, true hero’s all…👍👌🇮🇲

[grahamfree]

Thanks you RNLI, our 4th Emergency Service ❤

[mg]

What a fantastic video of bravery and teamwork at its best. Well done lads !

[ReblexianGuy]

Would love to be in the RNLI one day, the work you guys do is amazing.

[QHarefield]

I am watching this from the safety and security of my own home, and yet the filming is so good that it's as though I were really there. I felt emotionally involved with you all - gut-wrenchingly so. Thank you for this video, and, more importantly, thank you for your bravery and for all you do.