Brixham Coastguard assisted a French yacht that had lost its rudder on 2 June 2001 after receiving a pan pan message from the vessel, 'Circe', an 8 1/2-metre yacht at 3.45pm. However, the message was given in French and neither of the two-crew members spoke any English.

The Brittany Ferry, ‘Quiberon’ was in the area, having just departed Plymouth for France and intercepted and translated. The yacht was 12 miles from Plymouth, just north of the Eddystone Rock Lighthouse with two male crewmembers on board and had lost its rudder. It was on route from Cherbourg to L'Aberwrac'h when the incident occurred.

Brixham Coastguard requested Plymouth Lifeboat to attend the scene. Meanwhile, the RIB 'Boomerang' stood by the vessel in case of complications. Once the lifeboat arrived a tow was attached and the vessel was towed into Plymouth.

Dave Scullion, Watch Officer at Brixham Coastguard said, "Weather on scene for this operation was fairly favourable with north westerly force 4 winds, good visibility and moderate seas. The yacht 'Circe' and its two crew are making good progress into Plymouth and are expected at around 8.30 pm this evening."