Lifeboat Day call out for Holyhead RNLI crew

The station's Severn class lifeboat Christopher Pearce was attending the annual Lifeboat Day in nearby Cemaes Bay on Sunday (13 August), when crew received the call from the UK Coastguard to the 28ft vessel in Holyhead Bay.

The yacht, with two people on board, had got into difficulties when lobster pots became entangled in her propeller, leaving the vessel attached to the sea bed.

After seeing approximately 60 members of the public, who were viewing the lifeboat, safely back onto shore, the volunteer crew immediately left Cemaes Bay and sped to the scene. After cutting the entangled rope free, the lifeboat towed the yacht back to her mooring at Holyhead Marina.

The lifeboat was back at the station by 5pm, where she was prepared for service.

Holyhead coxswain Tony Price expressed sadness that the lifeboat had to leave the fundraising day after just an hour there, and hoped those there weren’t too disappointed.

Volunteer lifeboat press officer for Holyhead, Vicki Owens, said: ‘It was unfortunate for those who had arranged the fundraising day, and those visiting, that our crew had to rush off. This incident shows how ready our volunteer crews are at all times to answer distress calls. Thanks to everyone in Cemaes Bay for their understanding and continued support.’

RNLI media contacts

• Vicki Owens, Holyhead Lifeboat Press Officer, 07531 681409

• Eleri Roberts, RNLI Public Relations Manager (Wales and West.) 01745 585162/07771 941390

• Chris Cousens RNLI Press Officer (Wales and West) 01745 585162/07748 265496

• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.