Rescue Operation Initiated After Yacht Grounds in North Cornwall

A rescue operation was initiated in north Cornwall following the grounding of a yacht. The compact single-masted vessel was observed resting at an angle on Polzeath beach as dusk approached. The coastguard confirmed that a single individual aboard the vessel successfully reached the shore. A refloating operation for the vessel is anticipated to commence early on Wednesday. Andy Stewart, from Polzeath Beach Rangers, reported that three coastguard teams and two lifeboat crews participated in the rescue efforts. “It’s lucky that the boat is still in one piece with the swell we have been having,” he said. “If it had run up on the rocks, it would have been a different story.” Holidaymaker Chris Parsons stated he witnessed the yacht in distress on the beach at approximately 17:30 GMT. “A lot of people were on the beach joining in the rescue, along with a coastguard vehicle,” he said. “I can’t work out how it could have got there other than a motor failure as the wind was very light.” “Everyone’s feelings are for the safety and wellbeing of those on board, I’ve never seen anything like it here.” Polzeath is situated at the head of the Camel estuary, an area that also includes the popular harbour of Padstow further upstream.