Criccieth RNLI Lifeboat attends to three vessels during one launch

The station’s Atlantic 85 Lifeboat, Doris Joan, made towards the casualty vessel, Galatea, which was heading towards Mochras Lagoon.  The yacht, which being escorted by a fishing boat by the time the Lifeboat was on scene, was handed to the care of the Lifeboat crew and shepherded to the safety of the lagoon.  

As the Lifeboat was leaving the lagoon, she came across a 10-foot dory at the lagoon entrance.  The boat’s engine had failed and it was being swept out to sea on a fast flowing ebbing tide. The Lifeboat took her in tow. The person on board the dory informed the Lifeboat crew that he was returning from assisting a yacht he had recently sold and was concerned about her crew as they were inexperienced.  After making repeated attempts to contact the yacht’s reportedly inexperienced crew, it became apparent that the Lifeboat would be required to search for the vessel and ensure it’s crew’s wellbeing. 

The Lifeboat’s crew searched for the yacht, Dina Dow, near Mochras before searching further south, towards Barmouth.  Shortly after 10.00am the Lifeboat located the yacht, which was broken down and drifting.  The Lifeboat placed a crewmember aboard to manage the stricken vessel.  Given the number of other vessels at sea in the Tremadog Bay area, it was decided to call upon Barmouth’s RNLI inshore rescue boat to tow the yacht to Barmouth – this enabled Criccieth’s Lifeboat to remain in bay should it be required to respond to further incidents. 

Following the Lifeboat’s return to Criccieth, the station’s Lifeboat Operation Manager, Peter Williams stated ‘It’s commendable that the Lifeboat’s Crew adapted to a dynamic situation.  Their job would have been less worrying had those on-board the stricken vessels requiring our service, been wearing life jackets.  I would urge all those taking to sea to ensure they have life jackets for themselves and every passenger on board and to make use of them accordingly.’             

ENDS

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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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