Volunteer lifeboat crew were called out to save two of their own on Saturday in an emotional rescue involving two local fishermen.

Family members were waiting at the Lizard Lifeboat Station for the safe arrival of the RNLB Rose, safely containing the two fishermen from Cadgwith who are both also members of the lifeboat crew.

And while they were thankfully returned unharmed, sadly the incident was not without loss as the fishing vessel Crig A Tana was lost at sea.

The incident began just after 12.30pm on Saturday when the crew was paged to give immediate assistance to the fishing boat, which was six nautical miles south east of Lizard Point.

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon alert had been identified by Falmouth Coastguard, indicating that the vessel was in immediate distress.

Under the command of Second Coxswain Darren Thirlaway, the lifeboat travelled to the position given by the coastguard and the crew began a search of the area.

Within a few minutes the crew spotted a red flare in the distance and RNLB Rose went straight to the position, where a life raft could be seen.

A Lizard RNLI spokesperson said: “Thankfully the raft contained the two crew of the Crig A Tana who had been forced to abandon their vessel prior to its sudden sinking. Sadly there was no sign of the stricken vessel on scene.

“Following transfer from the life raft to the lifeboat it was ascertained that both crew were shaken but unharmed and in no need of medical assistance.

“Relieved family and friends were at the station awaiting the lifeboat’s return.”

The coastguard rescue helicopter and Mullion Coastguard Rescue Team were also called out in the rescue.

The lifeboat spokesperson went on to add on Saturday evening: “A difficult service for our station today, as the crew of the Crig a Tana are also members of our lifeboat crew.

“We are so very grateful for their safe return today.”

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