Commendation for Holyhead RNLI after Mayday rescue

A Chief Operating Officer Commendation was presented to those who had taken part in the rescue of Chris Cowlard in June 2025. Mr Cowlard had issued a Mayday call when his single-crewed yacht struck rocks on the afternoon of June 24 near the Skerries, off the coast of Anglesey.

Both the inshore D-class lifeboat, Mary and Archie Hooper, and the all-weather lifeboat Frederick Storey Cockburn were launched, and as the crews sped to the scene, the reef known as The Platters, they were informed by HM Coastguard that they had lost contact with the sailor, and he was now believed to be in the water.

Other vessels in the area were also alerted, including two inbound ferries, and they diverted their course and stayed near the yacht’s last known location, ready to help if required. The coastguard helicopter had also been tasked, and had headed immediately to the scene.

On reaching the location, the lifeboats found that the vessel had been smashed up by the rocks, and only parts were visible – and there was no sign of the casualty.

As they searched the area, crew volunteers spotted a red bag in the water, which was thought to be from the stricken yacht. With rough sea conditions, it became crucial that the sailor was found urgently.

With the helicopter on scene, a member of their team spotted the man in the water, about 200 yards away from where the ILB crew were searching, and the lifeboat crew immediately headed over to the location. A crewman managed to grab hold of the casualty’s arm, which he was holding in the air with his radio, and he was pulled onto the lifeboat.

He had been in the water for over 30 minutes, and was severely hypothermic, so was quickly transferred onto the larger lifeboat to receive casualty care. A winch paramedic was then lowered down to the deck of the lifeboat to treat the man, and shortly after, Mr Cowlard was winched up to the helicopter and taken to hospital. He later made a full recovery.

Gathering at Holyhead Lifeboat Station on Wednesday, many of the crew on board both lifeboats that day, were joined by RNLI Head of Region for Wales and the West, Sam Holliday, who presented them with the Chief Operating Officer Commendation.

Speaking about the award, Mr Holliday said:

‘What the crew did that day was nothing short of remarkable. Mr Cowlard was plucked from the sea just in time, and everyone is delighted that he made a full recovery after the incident.’

Holyhead RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager David Owens, giving his own praise, said:

‘The teamwork on the day was outstanding, involving other vessels in the area and the HM Coastguard helicopter. This meant that the crew were able to safely rescue Mr Cowlard in very challenging sea conditions. This is exactly what the volunteers train for, and I am very proud of them.’

For further information, please contact Vicki Owens, Holyhead Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07531 681409, or email [email protected]

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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