Donate now

Snapped Yacht Mast Leads To Holyhead RNLI Call

Lifeboats News Release

Both of RNLI Holyhead's lifeboats were called out yesterday afternoon (Sunday 7 May) to assist a 26ft yacht in trouble between Holyhead Breakwater and Church Bay.

RNLI/Richard Thompson

Holyhead RNLI volunteers attend the yacht on Sunday afternoon.

Pagers sounded at 2.22pm, requesting the launch of the inshore D-class lifeboat Mary and Archie Hooper. It was reported that the lone sailor on board had got into difficulty when the vessel’s mast had snapped, and due to the weather conditions and his position he had contacted HM Coastguard for assistance.

The lifeboat launched, and quickly reached the location, and found that the yacht’s mast and sails were submerged, and the sailor on board was unable to salvage them himself. On arrival, lifeboat volunteers were placed aboard the casualty vessel, where the welfare of the owner was checked before any further tasks were carried out.

Due to the yacht’s position and weather conditions, the D-class crew decided to request the launch of the all-weather lifeboat Christopher Pearce, in order to fully and safely recover the vessel. An astern tow of the yacht was carried out, and slow progress was begun, awaiting the arrival of the larger lifeboat.

The Severn-class was quickly on scene, and took over the tow from the inshore lifeboat, heading to a mooring to assess what could be done about the mast and sails. The lifeboat crew and sailor worked together to bring these out of the water and to secure them aboard the yacht. The inshore lifeboat then moved to an alongside tow position, and, escorted by the all-weather lifeboat, brought the casualty vessel to the safety of Holyhead Marina.

Once the yacht was safely secured, the all-weather lifeboat headed back to her berth in Holyhead Port, and the D-class headed back to the lifeboat station. Both boats were washed and prepared for any further calls by 3.50pm and 4.30pm respectively.

RNLI/Richard Thompson

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, 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.

Categories