Busy 24 Hours for RNLI Moelfre Volunteers.

First Shout.

The volunteer crew were alerted just after 12:10 pm (27/06/2022) after concerned members of the public called Holyhead Coastguard after a kayak was seen to capsize and was reportedly drifting out to sea. The crew were on the water within 15 minutes of receiving the call and made the best speed in the station’s All-weather Tamar class lifeboat ‘Kiwi’.

The Coastguard rescue helicopter from Caernarfon was also tasked along with coastguard team members from Cemaes.

As the lifeboat was rounding Point Lynas, the coastguard helicopter arrived on scene and reported that one person and a kayak were on the rocks to the west of Bull Bay, and they were being assisted up the rocks by members of the public. Cemaes coastguard team ensured it was the same person and that no medical assistance was required. Once all was confirmed as well, all units were stood down.

Duty Coxswain Martin Jones (Rhyl Lifeboat) said:

“The weather conditions were deceiving today; the sheltered coastal waters may look inviting, but the strong offshore wind, particularly when running against the ebbing tide, creates large overfalls (Waves) which would be difficult for the most experienced Kayaker to tackle. Thanks to the vigilance of those ashore, the incident was reported quickly. Luckily, the person could swim ashore and climb the steep rocks.”

Second Shout.

Moelfre Volunteer crew were tasked late last night (11 pm 27/06/22) to a person thought to be difficulty/Distress at Red Wharf Bay. As the Inshore lifeboat was preparing to launch, the coastguard confirmed that the person had been located and no assistance was required.

Third Shout

Members of the station alerted Holyhead Coastguard to a 22ft vessel which had broken its moorings and was drifting onto rocks next to the station. The owner had also been alerted and was attempting to make rescue from the sea in a small tender, with family members assisting ashore.

With the wind gusting 35 knots across the bay, it was agreed to launch the Inshore lifeboat to assist those attempting to recover the boat. As the ILB was in the process of launching, the owner managed to start the engine and get the boat off the rocks. The Inshore lifeboat crew were asked to proceed and follow the vessel to Traeth Bychan and ensure the owner was ok and the vessel wasn’t taking on any water.

The ILB crew assisted the owner in berthing at Traeth Bychan harbour, made sure that he was ok, and the vessel was secure and was stood down shortly after. Moelfre coastguard team were also in attendance and assisted ashore.

Vince Jones, Moelfre Lifeboat Mechanic, said:

“We don’t routinely launch to rescue empty vessels; however, in this instance, there was a significant risk to those attempting rescue, afloat and ashore. We needed to ensure the owner was safe and that the vessel wasn’t taking on water after being on the rocks. Fortunately, he was well prepared and managed to get his boat off and to safety. The gusting winds had caused his mooring rope to fail. Luckily, the vessel was only slightly damaged.”

For further information, please contact Phil Williams, Moelfre Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07773 979910

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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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.