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Llandudno lifeboat rescues yacht in difficulty near Conwy Channel

Lifeboats News Release

On Saturday 31 August, Llandudno's all-weather lifeboat 'William F Yates', was launched at 12.22pm to assist a 27ft yacht in distress, approximately one mile from the Conwy Channel Fairway Buoy.

RNLI/Luke Heritage

The yacht was believed to have experienced engine failure and fouled sails, leaving it vulnerable. Having already attended another incident nearby, Conwy’s inshore lifeboat, The May-Bob, also responded to the scene to assess the situation and provide additional support if needed.

Arriving on scene at 12.37pm, Llandudno lifeboat’s coxswain assessed the situation and quickly decided to rig an alongside tow, given the falling tide, limited time and the ever decreasing width of the Conwy Channel at this stage of the tide. A crew member from Conwy’s lifeboat was already on board the yacht at this time and was able to assist with setting up the tow.

The lifeboat successfully towed the yacht to the Beacon's Jetty, where the vessel was safely secured. Once the crew of the yacht confirmed they were satisfied, William F Yates returned to Llandudno, where the shore crew were prepared for its recovery.

An RNLI spokesperson said:

‘Thanks to the quick response and seamless coordination between our lifeboat crews, we were able to safely assist the yacht despite the challenging conditions. The teamwork displayed by both Llandudno and Conwy lifeboat crews ensured the vessel and its crew were brought to safety without incident.'

RNLI/Luke Heritage

RNLI/Luke Heritage

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.

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