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Llandudno lifeboat launches to rescue disabled motor cruiser with engine failure

Lifeboats News Release

Llandudno’s all-weather lifeboat William F Yates was tasked to launch at 8:03pm on Tuesday 29 August 2023.

RNLI/Luke Heritage

HM Coastguard requested the launch to assist a 50-foot, motor cruiser vessel with disabled engines eleven nautical miles north of Llandudno.

Arriving on scene, Deputy Coxswain Les Jones assessed that towing the stranded vessel to a safe haven was the best course of action and proceeded to make way to the harbour at Conwy.

After a two-hour journey in deteriorating weather conditions, the lifeboat arrived at the channel into the Conwy river. However due to the adverse weather conditions the normal procedure of securing a casualty vessel to the side of the lifeboat proved to be too hazardous. Consequently, the Coxswain judged that a further tow to Beaumaris would be a longer but much safer option on this occasion.

The lifeboat finally arrived off Beaumaris at 1:15 am to find a safe berth with the assistance of Penmon Coastguard before commencing the return journey to Llandudno.

Meanwhile, members of the shore crew were paged at 2.08pm to reassemble at the boathouse to prepare for recovery. The William F Yates finally arrived back at the lifeboat station at 2.50am to be recovered from shore, washed down and prepared for the next launch. A tiring night for all involved with the station mechanic Luke Heritage finally closing the doors and turning the lights out at 5am.

Alun Pari Huws Deputy Launching Authority concluded: 'Despite the experience of the lifeboat crew, this call was not without its challenges but, with safety the priority, it was achieved in an accomplished and professional manner by both boat's crew and shore crew. A tiring night but one that saw crews' commitment to constant training pay dividends'.


RNLI/Luke Heritage

RNLI/Luke Heritage

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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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