Four RNLI lifeboats from two stations launched to assist aground yacht
Pwllheli and Criccieth RNLI volunteers launched their lifeboats to assists a stricken yacht aground at the river Dwyfor estuary.
Pwllheli RNLI's Mersey Class all-weather lifeboat Lilly & Vincent Anthony and D class inshore lifeboat Leslie and Peter Downes were launched at approximately 4.45pm to the 28ft yacht that had run aground at the river Dwyfor Estuary.
Both boats proceeded from Pwllheli heading towards the casualty vessel. When both boats arrived on scene, the D class lifeboat proceeded as close as possible to the casualty vessel which by this time was listing heavily to port side. It quickly became apparent to the D class crew that they could not reach the casualty. With approximately 30m to the yacht, volunteer crew members on the D class waded the remaining distance to the casualty vessel.
Once on scene with the casualty vessel and the two persons on board, they then proceeded to transfer the anchor from the yacht to the inshore lifeboat. After the anchor was laid out, it successfully laid to hold the yacht in position until there was sufficient water to re float.
The two people aboard the yacht were satisfied that there was no breach to the hull and were happy to remain on board until the vessel would re-float this evening.
Both of the lifeboats from Criccieth were launched and once on scene, a crew member was placed aboard the yacht by the station's inshore rescue boat, Margaret a Nantw, as the tide was still too low for the station's larger lifeboat to approach safely.
The yacht was able to make-way towards Pwllheli harbour under her own steam, but was escorted by the Atlantic 85 lifeboat in case she had sustained damage.
Alwyn Roberts, station Mechanic at Pwllheli RNLI, mentioned: 'Our main concern was both occupants on board the casualty vessel. Then consideration was made for them to abandon their vessel, but with the assessment of the underside of the yacht conducted finding no water ingress, the owners were happy to remain on board until the evening when further assistance was rendered by Criccieth RNLI on this evening's tide.'
Notes to editors:
The attached pictures show:
- A crew member form Pwllheli RNLI assessing any damage to the aground yacht's hull. Credit RNLI/Pwllheli
- The aground yacht with Criccieth RNLI's Atlantic 85 lifeboat in attendance. Credit RNLI/Ifer Gwyn
For further information, please contact Tomos Moore, Pwllheli RNLI Crew Member & Lifeboat Press Officer on 07552 446447, Adam Daniel, Pwllheli RNLI Crew Member & Lifeboat Press Officer on 07917808208, Ifer Gwyn, Criccieth RNLI Crew Member and Lifeboat Press Officer on 07554 445316 or Chris Cousens, RNLI Press Officer, Wales and West, on 07748 265496 or 01745 585162 or by email on [email protected].
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