Great teamwork by the RNLI volunteers of Moelfre and Beaumaris lifeboat stations
At 5:45 pm Wednesday 3rd October, the UK Coastguard requested that the volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat ‘Kiwi’ after reports that a 52-foot yacht had suffered mechanical failure 11 miles NE of Moelfre.
Initially ‘Kiwi’ was tasked with escorting the casualty vessel to the Menai Strait but due to failing light and slow progress it was decided that the casualty vessel should drop sail so that a tow could be established.
At 6:39 pm with the towline in place ‘Kiwi’ then towed the casualty vessel to within a mile of Beaumaris pier.
At 8.45 pm the Beaumaris lifeboat Annette Mary Liddington launched at the request of the Moelfre lifeboat to assist with the tow as they had now reached the Menai straits.
The Moelfre lifeboat used their searchlights to assist with illuminating the pontoon at the end of Beaumaris pier, whilst the Beaumaris lifeboat utilising an alongside tow manoeuvred the casualty vessel alongside the pontoon where additional lifeboat crew on the pontoon ensured a safe berthing.
Once satisfied that all was well with the four crew members and the dog aboard the casualty vessel the lifeboat then had a very short journey back to the Beaumaris lifeboat station which is situated alongside the pier.
Beaumaris lifeboat was recovered at 9.35 pm being washed down, refuelled and prepared for her next service call this being achieved by 10.10 pm.
‘Kiwi’ was back on the slip in Moelfre at 10:22 pm and an hour later the crew were making their way home after first ensuring that ‘Kiwi’ was washed down and all equipment made ready for her next shout.
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
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.