Busy Weekend For Holyhead Lifeboat Crew

Pagers sounded just before 3.45am, requesting the launch of the all-weather lifeboat Christopher Pearce. The sailor, who was six miles from South Stack, had issued the distress call after his vessel had struck an unknown object and had lost its rudder.

The lifeboat was launched quickly, and reached the scene within an hour of the initial call. The man, who was accompanied by his dog, was in a vulnerable position, having lost his steering ability, but was monitored by the UK Coastguard until the arrival of the lifeboat crew.

The stricken vessel was quickly joined to the lifeboat by a tow rope, and was then brought safely back to shore, returning to the Holyhead Port area by 7.40am.

Holyhead Lifeboat Coxswain Tony Price said the man had been correctly equipped for his journey and had done the right thing in calling for help.

He added;

'He was very grateful for our professional help, and both he and his dog were safe and well.'

The crew had no time to catch up on their sleep as the lifeboat was due at Cemaes Lifeboat Day at 10.30am, where the lifeboat was open to the public.

The lifeboat returned to Holyhead mid-afternoon, and no sooner had she been refuelled, then another call was made for the crew to attend a broken down rib just off Carmel Head. However, it was decided the lifeboat was not required and the crew were stood down.

The crew had also been busy the previous day, with both lifeboats attending regattas in Trearddur Bay and Llanfwrog. While in Llanfwrog, the inshore lifeboat had been called to assist a sailing couple whose vessel had upturned and the sailors were unable to get back on board her. The lifeboat crew attended the couple, and safely brought both them and their boat safely back to shore, where the couple required no further medical attention.

Coxswain Tony Price said:

'I'd like to say a big thank you to our dedicated crew, who have done a sterling job this weekend, and to the public and our friends in Cemaes Bay for their support.'

Notes to Editors:

Holyhead has two RNLI lifeboats: The all-weather, Severn-class lifeboat Christopher Pearce, and the D-class inshore lifeboat Mary and Archie Hooper

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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