Yacht towed to safety by Porthdinllaen RNLI
On Sunday at 5:00 pm, Porthdinllaen RNLI volunteer team were tasked by UK Coastguard to launch to assist a yacht with mechanical issues near Llanddwyn.
The vessel a 14-meter ketch type with a single occupant aboard, had experienced mechanical issues, and attempts to carry out a repair were unsuccessful. With no other suitable craft in the area to assist, the lifeboat was launched with coxswain Owain Williams at the helm to assist.
Launching into sunny clear skies and calm seas, the lifeboat made the best possible speed to the last known location of the casualty. As the lifeboat approached the casualty, communication was made with the casualty, and after assessing the situation, it was decided that due to the size of the craft, that the safest option was to tow the vessel to Holyhead harbour where repairs could be carried out by the owner.
To assist in setting up a tow line on the casualty vessel, an experienced member of the lifeboat team was transferred aboard and quickly and safely rigged up the tow line. A safe speed of only 6.5 knots was managed during the passage to Holyhead, and upon entering Holyhead, details of a safe mooring was received where the casualty was secured safely. Satisfied that the casualty was secure and that no further assistance was required, the lifeboat was relieved of its duties and returned to its station, it was washed down, refuelled and ready for service by 11:00 pm.
Coxswain Owain Williams added “As always, we were glad to be of assistance today, the casualty had attempted repairs but due to the nature of the fault and spares required, this would have to be carried out in a safe heaven. Thank you as well yo our colleagues at Holyhead Coastguard for their assistance”.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Dylan Thomas, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]
Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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