
Three RNLI lifeboats help rescue yacht and crew lost in mist off North Wales.
The initial call for assistance was picked up on radio by the UK Coastguard Co-ordinating centre in Holyhead. Once a rough position was established, Rhyl's All-weather Mersey-class lifeboat crew were paged to locate the vessel.
The Coxswain decided that the flank station at Hoylake would be more suitable to take the yacht into the river Mersey and so the UK Coastguard were asked to page RNLI Hoylake lifeboat station. Hoylake launched their Shannon-class All-weather lifeboat at 10:30am and proceeded to the rendezvous. Some 15 minutes later the UK Coastguard received a message from the Mersey Harbour Control Authority refusing permission to enter the busy shipping channel in such poor visibility.
In consultation with UK Coastguard,the decision was therefore made to turn back towards Llandudno and Conwy marina, where the crew had set off from. Hoylake lifeboat was therefore stood down and returned to station.
This was the first time that crew member Mark Waterworth had been on a 'shout' with the Rhyl all-weather lifeboat. The pictures show Llandudno lifeboat taking over the tow of the yacht off Abergele.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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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.