
Squall leads to lifeboat launch for Llandudno RNLI
Llandudno's RNLI inshore lifeboat was scrambled on Wednesday evening (26 July) to go to the assistance of two small craft which were being driven towards cliffs by squally weather conditions.
A Feva-class dinghy with two 11-year-old boys on board was being towed to shore by a sailing club rigid inflatable boat after taking part in races when the engine of the latter craft faltered leaving both craft being driven towards the Little Orme headland by the blustery wind.
Sailing Club officials ashore were closely monitoring the situation, but when a sudden particularly vicious squall with torrential rain swept across the bay the two boats were lost to view to those ashore. As a result an emergency call was made to the UK Coastguard, which resulted in Llandudno RNLI's inshore lifeboat launching minutes later.
Whilst the lifeboat was approaching, the dinghy lodged upside-down on rocks at the foot of the cliffs, enabling the two young sailors to step ashore unharmed. On the lifeboat's arrival an RNLI crewman was transferred to the safety boat and quickly rectified a minor engine problem. The dinghy was then righted and refloated and the tow to shore resumed with the lifeboat escorting the two craft until they were safely recovered to shore.
Notes to editors:
For more information contact Alan Sharp, RNLI Llandudno Lifeboat Press Officer, on 01492 543315.
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