Mayday Call To Sinking Vessel For Holyhead RNLI

Pagers alerted the volunteer crew at 2.30pm, requesting the launch of the inshore D-class lifeboat, followed shortly after by a request to launch the all-weather Severn-class lifeboat.

The D-class, Mary and Archie Hooper was launched within four minutes, and the Severn-class Christopher Pearce was en route within ten minutes.

The stricken vessel, a 17ft jet boat, was taking on water en route from Carmel Head to the Skerries, off the north-west coast of Anglesey.

A local charter fishing vessel, My Way was in the area and had rushed to the scene, arriving a few minutes before the inshore lifeboat. As the ILB approached the scene, it was apparent that the six casualties had been taken aboard the fishing boat for safety.

On arrival, Holyhead crew members boarded the sinking vessel and immediately began attempts to save the craft using their salvage pump. The six sailors were transferred to the all-weather lifeboat for safety, and the fishing vessel then left the scene.

The casualty vessel was salvaged enough to enable a tow to be established, and the lifeboats and stricken boat headed towards the nearest safe and suitable area, known as Sandy Beach. The six casualties were transferred onto the inshore lifeboat to be taken ashore, arriving safely shortly before 5pm.

Holyhead lifeboat coxswain Tony Price said:

‘This Mayday call was a fine example of brilliant teamwork. Once again, the crew showed their dedication and professionalism throughout. Huge thanks go to the ‘My Way’ crew too, for rushing to assist other seafarers in trouble, showing what a fantastic sea community we have here.’

He added:

‘The six occupants of the stricken craft were all well equipped with lifejackets, and were very unlucky to be faced with the scenario they were in. We’re just glad they are all safe; no doubt at all they did the right thing in issuing a Mayday call.’

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.

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.