Overnight Sailing Ship Rescue For Holyhead RNLI
Holyhead RNLI volunteer crew were roused from their beds overnight to assist a tall ship with navigational difficulties in the Irish Sea.
Pagers sounded just after 2am on Thursday morning (13 May), with HM Coastguard requesting the launch of ALB Christopher Pearce, to a location nine miles north of the Holyhead coast. A 100ft sailing ship, with six people on board, was in a location which may have caused a hazard to other vessels, in particular the ferries, which would shortly be using the shipping lanes.
The lifeboat launched from her berth in the port at 2.25am, and headed to the scene.
On arrival, after checking all people on board were safe and well, and with the tide carrying the vessel to the outer shipping lanes, it was agreed that a tow was the safest course of action, in order to prevent a problem for any other vessels.
The tow was established at 4.13am, and the lifeboat and sailing ship headed to the outer harbour of Holyhead, with regular communications being made to ensure all was well with the ship and her occupants.
With permission from port control, both boats entered the harbour. Once in safer waters, the tow was slipped, and the ship made her own way to a mooring, anchoring up at 5.30am.
After contacting HM Coastguard to report that the casualty vessel was safely anchored, the Christopher Pearce headed back to her berth, and was sanitised and prepared for any further calls by 6am, and the crew returned home to their beds.
Holyhead coxswain Tony Price praised the turnout of the crew of volunteers, especially given the hour:
‘As ever, the crew turned out in good numbers. We would have been able to launch both our lifeboats if required, and that is great testament to their dedication. All was well with the casualty vessel, and we were happy to assist their safe journey to shore.’
For any further information, please contact Vicki Owens, Lifeboat Press Officer for Holyhead RNLI. Email [email protected] or mobile 07531 681409
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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