Holyhead RNLI launch to assist lone yachtsman
A regular lifeboat training session for Holyhead RNLI was interrupted tonight (Wednesday 19 October) when the crew were asked to launch to help a sailor in difficulty in gusty conditions.
Pagers sounded just after 6.45pm requesting the launch of the D-class lifeboat, Mary and Archie Hooper, to assist the sailor, who was struggling to safely moor his vessel, a 34ft yacht, in the confines of Holyhead Harbour.
With north-easterly winds gusting at over 40 knots at the end of Holyhead Breakwater, it was becoming impossible for the sailor to moor the yacht on his own.
The lifeboat volunteers launched immediately, and were on the scene within a few short minutes. Two crew members were placed aboard the casualty craft to assist the sailor, and the vessel was safely moored shortly after 7pm. The man on board was staying on his vessel overnight, so when all was assessed to be safe and secure, the D-class headed back to the shore, and was recovered by 7.45pm.
Helm Sion Owens said: 'In the worsening conditions, the sailor did the correct thing in calling for help. The yacht was in good order, and the man was correctly equipped, but had been caught out by the increasing winds.'
The lifeboat was washed and prepared for any further calls by 8pm.
The call was the first inshore lifeboat call for crewman Ben Russell.
For any further information, please contact Vicki Owens, Holyhead Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07531 681409, or email [email protected]
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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.
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