RNLI praised for 10-hour rescue of historic sailing vessel Leader

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in the UK was praised for its recent 10-hour operation to assist a historic sailing vessel, the Leader, which was taking on water. The vessel, built in 1892, is one of the last surviving Brixham trawlers and operates as a charity training vessel for the Atlantic Youth Trust. Three RNLI crews were involved in safely escorting the ship to port for repairs.

The Falmouth Coastguards received the distress call on May 22nd from the Leader, located off the coast of Cornwall. The vessel, rigged as a gaff ketch, had a crew of eight and was struggling to make port. The RNLI Padstow and City of London III lifeboats provided assistance, stabilizing the situation and escorting the Leader to Penzance for repairs.

After a journey that began in 1907 as a fishing boat and continued as a cargo hauler, the Leader has been operating as a training ship since the 1960s. The RNLI’s quick response and professionalism in assisting the historic vessel were appreciated by the Atlantic Youth Trust, with special thanks given to the crewmembers who boarded the Leader to help with pumping. The successful operation ensured the safe arrival of the Leader at its destination for necessary repairs.

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