Llandudno lifeboat responds to Mayday call on a busy afternoon

Llandudno’s all-weather lifeboat William F Yates was initially tasked to launch at 4.05pm on Saturday afternoon to rescue a 32-foot cruiser in difficulties. The vessel, with 4 people, on board had struck a submerged object causing mechanical difficulties and ingress of water. The cruiser was drifting towards Llandudno Pier and issued a Mayday call for immediate help. Fortunately, a local pleasure boat was in the vicinity and on hand to offer much needed assistance. At the same time, the HM Coastguard helicopter on exercise nearby diverted to monitor the situation. Shortly after launch, the Llandudno lifeboat arrived at the scene to assess the situation and take the cruiser under tow.

Coxswain Graham Heritage said: ‘In these situations, there is a critical need to thoroughly assess all the possible risks. We were satisfied that the water ingress was under control and it was safe to put a line on board and to start our gradual tow to Conwy Marina. On arrival at the marina, we were grateful to the marina staff who were there to meet us and arranged an emergency lift out.’

The Llandudno lifeboat then began its return voyage to the boathouse. However, on leaving the estuary the crew were summoned to another incident involving a 39-foot yacht with a crew of 6. The yacht was also having mechanical difficulties and needing assistance to return to Conwy. For the second time, a tow was undertaken to Conwy Marina, before the Lifeboat finally made its journey back to Llandudno at 7pm to be recovered and prepared for her next service by the awaiting shore crew.

For more information, please contact Jonathan Coe, Llandudno Lifeboat Press Officer on 07910 861193. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Media Officer on 01745 585162 / 07771 941390 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.