Holyhead RNLI lifeboat crew and helicopter in evacuation of ill sailor

The station’s Severn class all-weather lifeboat Christopher Pearce launched at 6.25pm after the man, who was sailing for the port of Holyhead, had become ill and made the correct decision to call for help.

Due to the vessel’s location a large tanker diverted from its course to shelter the stricken craft and once the lifeboat arrived minutes later one volunteer crew member was transferred onto the boat with the lone sailor.

The sailor was able to rest while the lifeboat crew took the 27ft vessel in tow, but about 20 minutes into the tow the crew member aboard reported the sailor’s condition was worsening and he was developing chest pains and breathing issues, so the tow was released and the lifeboat went back alongside to transfer another crew member aboard with more medical equipment.

The casualty’s condition continued to worsen and the need for an immediate evacuation of was needed, so another transfer was made of the lone sailor to the lifeboat and the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter was called in to airlift the him direct to hospital.

Once the man had been flown off to hospital, two lifeboat crew members brought the boat into Holyhead, escorted by Holyhead lifeboat.

Tony Price, Holyhead RNLI Coxswain, said: ‘All at Holyhead RNLI are hoping the man made a swift recovery.’

Notes to editors:

The attached picture is a stock shot of Holyhead RNLI's all-weather lifeboat Christopher Pearce. Credit Ian Thomas

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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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