A Lizard lifeboat crew was sent to a cargo ship at 22:00 (GMT) on 24 December 2024 after a sailor suffered serious injuries in a fall.
The RNLI said fog grounded the coastguard helicopter, leaving the lifeboat as the only immediate help available.
Johnny Bray, volunteer second mechanic, said: “In total 22 crew, shore crew and launch authorities responded late on Christmas Eve… meaning we were able to provide the essential, immediate casualty care to the injured crew member.”
Alfred Amiss, a trainee navigator, said he was wrapping last minute stocking fillers when he received the pager last year.
“You don’t expect it at all, I jumped up and headed down to the station with my brother as we are both crew members,” he said.
“The crew turned up in their pyjamas, many Christmas hats and I think the launch time was about seven minutes from pager to water, which is incredibly quick.”