Llandudno RNLI launches to vessel in difficulty off the Great Orme.

The forty-foot twin engine vessel had attempted to anchor in the bay, following the loss of an engine. However, the person on board, experienced difficulties in holding a safe position due to the falling tide and rough sea conditions and eventually required the assistance of the lifeboat.

The lifeboat with her voluntary crew were soon on location, and in consultation with the casualty vessel agreed to provide an escort to the safety of Conwy Harbour. The two vessels commenced a slow journey around the Great Orme’s Head heading toward the Conwy Estuary. Unfortunately, the vessel then lost her second engine and had to be taken under tow by the lifeboat before continuing upstream to the safe mooring of the Beacons Jetty at 9.57pm.

Lifeboat Coxswain Tim James explained, ‘this was far from a straightforward rescue and actually proved to be extremely challenging. There were very heavy seas off the Great Orme due to previous days conditions. The wind and tide made the journey difficult, especially for the casualty vessel as the breaking waves were knocking it very badly off course and pushing it all the time towards the rocks off the Orme.

We then had difficulties getting the casualty safely berthed at Conwy, this due to a combination of heavy winds, very fast running spring tides and poor visibility hampered by heavy driving rain. The most technically difficult set of manoeuvres that I have ever had to do to get a casualty safely alongside.’

After completion of the handover the lifeboat made its journey back to Llandudno 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 Claire Elshaw, RNLI Media Officer on 01745 585162

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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 146,000 lives.

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