Porthdinllaen and Pwllheli RNLI launch to aid sinking yacht

The 14-metre yacht with two persons on board, had set off earlier in the morning from Holyhead harbour, intending to sail down to Milford Haven. Approximately an hour into their passage, it was noticed by its crew that the vessel was taking in water at a considerable rate, and that immediate assistance was required.

The Lifeboat was on scene within 30 minutes of launching, two Volunteer crew members of the Lifeboat, and the salvage pump were transferred onto the yacht to try and control the flow of water.

With the situation under control, it was decided that the best and safest option was to tow the yacht to Pwllheli Marina, where arrangements had been made to hoist the craft from the water. With a tow line secured, the lifeboat began the tow at 07:50 am.

RNLI Porthdinllaen then rendezvoused with Pwllheli RNLI who were tasked to take over the tow. A Pwllheli RNLI crew member transferred to the yacht and assisted with establishing the towline to Pwllheli's all-weather lifeboat. With the tow line successfully transferred at 11:10am, Pwllheli RNLI carried on the safe tow of the yacht towards Pwllheli Marina.

Once the tow was underway, the Pwllheli volunteer crew member was able to restart the yacht's engine. The tow line was removed and the boat was escorted by Pwllheli all-weather lifeboat arriving at Pwllheli Marina hoist at 3.15pm.

Robert Jones, Second Coxswain at Porthdinllaen said:

'We managed to transfer two crew members to assist on board the yacht and were successful in bringing the situation under control, and avoiding the loss of the yacht. As always, our thanks to our colleagues at Pwllheli RNLI Station for their assistance this morning'.

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Regional Media Officer Claire Elshaw on [email protected] or 07468 353082. Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.