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Llandudno and Conwy lifeboats assist stricken yacht

Lifeboats News Release

Llandudno’s all-weather lifeboat launched at 4.25pm on Monday 23 September, to assist Conwy lifeboat with a 27ft yacht that had suffered engine failure near the Fairway Buoy.

The yacht, which had been on passage from Falmouth, encountered engine trouble, leaving the skipper and their dog stranded and the vessel posing a navigational risk. Conwy’s inshore lifeboat The May-Bob, was the first to be tasked with assessing the situation and providing assistance.

Despite the crew’s efforts, all attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. With worsening sea conditions, a strong ebbing spring tide, and a 15-knot wind, the crew, in consultation with HM Coastguard, requested additional support from Llandudno lifeboat.

Upon receiving the tasking, the crew of Llandudno's all-weather lifeboat William F Yates quickly launched and made their way around the Great Orme, reaching the scene at 4.45pm. Because of risks posed by the yacht, Llandudno’s lifeboat crew immediately set up an astern tow and began towing the casualty vessel through the Conwy approach channel with a rapidly falling tide.

Once they reached a safer area near the perch, Llandudno lifeboat stemmed the tide in calmer waters, allowing Conwy lifeboat to establish an alongside tow of their own onto the vessel.

Llandudno lifeboat then continued to tow both vessels as far as Beacons Jetty, where the tow line was released, enabling Conwy lifeboat to take over and bring the yacht to a waiting pontoon at Conwy Marina. Llandudno lifeboat then retraced its route, returning to the North Shore for recovery, where it was made ready for its next service.

An RNLI spokesperson says: ‘This coordinated effort between the two RNLI stations highlights the importance of teamwork and the professionalism of both crews, ensuring the safe recovery of the yacht and its occupants in challenging conditions.’

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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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.

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