Rib Carrying Seven Rescued By Holyhead RNLI

The call from HM Coastguard came at approximately 6.30pm, after receiving a phone call from the seven people on board the stricken vessel, located east of West Mouse, off the Cemlyn coastline on the North West of Anglesey.

The rib’s occupants were returning from lunch on the Menai Straits, when their engine cut out. Their VHF radio had failed, and the craft was in danger of being carried by the ebbing tide towards the rocky area know as The Platters.

The launch of the all-weather lifeboat was requested, and the volunteer crew quickly boarded the Severn-class lifeboat Christopher Pearce and headed to the location.

On arriving at the scene, six people on board the rib were taken aboard the lifeboat, where they were treated for seasickness and effects of the cold. The seventh occupant stayed on board the rib, and was joined by a lifeboat crewman, who helped establish a tow.

Both boats were soon heading to the safety of calmer waters, and began a tow back to the safety of Holyhead harbour.

Regular welfare checks were made with the casualty craft en route, and all were brought safely to the landing stage at Holyhead Marina at 8.30pm.

After checking all sailors were safe and well, the lifeboat made her way back to her berth in the inner port, where she was made ready for any further calls.

Coxswain Tony Price said:

‘HM Coastguard acted quickly on receiving the distress phone call from the rib, otherwise we may have had a situation where the vessel could have come into contact with the east Platters. All those on board the rib had the correct equipment and were wearing lifejackets, and were unfortunate to have had a loss of engine on their journey.’

For any further information, please contact Vicki Owens, Holyhead Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07531 681409, or email [email protected]

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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