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Llandudno lifeboat launches to assist trimaran in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

On the evening of Friday 18 July, Llandudno RNLI’s All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB) was tasked to assist a trimaran experiencing mechanical failure in the Conwy Channel.

RNLI/Luke Heritage

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The lifeboat launched shortly after 7:00pm and made good speed toward the casualty vessel. The trimaran had broken down and dropped anchor at “The Scabs,” the shallowest part of the channel.

Upon arrival, Llandudno’s newly qualified coxswain, Luke Heritage, made the swift decision to conduct an alongside tow and bring the vessel to Beacons Jetty. The crew quickly set up the tow. With the tide ebbing, swift and efficient action was required to ensure the vessel could be brought to safety in time. Lifeboat crew member Leon Bagnall was placed aboard the trimaran to assist. The casualty vessel raised anchor, and the tow began.

At Beacons Jetty, Llandudno Coastguard were on scene to take lines and help secure the vessel alongside. With the situation safely resolved, the lifeboat returned to Llandudno Bay and was recovered by 9:00pm.

This was the first service for Luke Heritage as ALB coxswain following his recent pass-out, and also the first ALB service call for Leon Bagnall, who has already been involved in a number of service calls on the station’s Inshore Lifeboat.

RNLI/Luke Heritage

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RNLI/Luke Heritage

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RNLI/Luke Heritage

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.

About the author

Luke Heritage
Lifeboat Press Officer, Llandudno Lifeboat Station

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