A lifeboat crew managed to save a humpback whale trapped in fisherman’s ropes at Mount’s Bay on Easter Sunday.

The crew of the Penlee’s B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat the Mollie and Ivor Dent managed to cut the ropes and with a thrash of its tale the whale was freed at about 3pm.

They spotted the whale, believed to be called ‘Ivy’, after going to the aid of a paddle boarder in difficulty off Rinsey Head between Praa Sands and Porthleven at about 2.30pm.

The volunteer crew of four under the helm of Will Treneer was launched within six minutes but found the paddle boarder had made it to safety under his own steam.

During the return journey the crew became aware of a humpback whale identified as Ivy in difficulty trapped in a fisherman’s ropes. 

Prior to this at 12.10pm Falmouth Coastguard had also tasked RNLI Penlee to a 36 foot yacht in difficulties south of Gwennap Head.

The all-weather Severn Class Lifeboat Ivan Ellen was launched within six minutes and headed to rendezvous with the stricken yacht which had sailing and engine difficulties.

After a two hour tow the volunteer crew of six under coxswain Patch Harvey moored the yacht in Newlyn harbour.