Busy Sunday for Conwy RNLI involving launch to yacht aground and multiple person
Conwy RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch on Sunday morning (18th June) by UK Coastguard, to assist a 47ft yacht which had grounded at the entrance of the River Conwy on a falling tide, which marked the start of a busy day for the station.
RNLI lifeboat The May-Bob launched with her volunteer crew at 8.56am, shortly after being paged.
Once on scene, a lifeboat crew member was able to safely board the now leaning yacht and check whether the occupants were safe and happy to stay on board until the next tide. Once it has been ascertained that the yacht and her occupants were hard aground and willing to wait on board a short period, the lifeboat and her volunteer crew returned to station.
It was agreed with UK Coastguard that the lifeboat would re-launch at 2.35pm to provide safety coverage for the yacht whilst she re floats on the incoming tide, given the topography of the seabed where she grounded. This was a precautionary measure in case of damage to the hull.
Whilst launching, multiple reports were received by UK Coastguard of multiple persons in difficulty off West Shore. The lifeboat was requested to immediately divert to West Shore to assist.
After making best speed towards West Shore and through the now filling North Deep channel, the lifeboat was able to arrive safely at West Shore and liaise with Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team and ensured that all in difficulty were assisted ashore safely.
Following this, the lifeboat and her volunteer crew made way to the grounded yacht to assist as first planned.
After successful re floating at 4.06pm, the yacht luckily had no damage to her hull and was safely escorted to her berth in the safe confines of Conwy Marina.
The lifeboat arrived back on station at 4.30pm, where she was recovered, refuelled and made ready for service.
Notes to editors
- Conwy lifeboat station has been operating since 1966.
- To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/conwy
- [email protected]
RNLI media contacts
- Danny-Lee Davies, Conwy RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07999321639
- Alan Flood, Conwy RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07871505513
- Chris Cousens, RNLI Press Officer (Wales and West) on 07748 265496 or 01745 585162
- Alternatively contact RNLI Public Relations 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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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