Donate now

Llandudno RNLI assists vessel taking on water off North Wales coast

Lifeboats News Release

Llandudno RNLI's all-weather lifeboat launched on Friday 10 July following reports that a motor vessel with one person on board was taking on water five to six nautical miles north east of Llandudno, close to the offshore wind farm.

RNLI/Luke Heritage

Download image
HM Coastguard requested the launch after receiving reports that the vessel was in danger of sinking.

An offshore wind farm support vessel was first to arrive on scene and remained with the casualty vessel until the RNLI crew arrived. Following an assessment of the situation, it was agreed that Llandudno's all-weather lifeboat would take over the rescue operation from that point.

The lifeboat’s mechanic was transferred onto the casualty vessel with a salvage pump to investigate the source of the water ingress. After assessing the vessel's condition, the crew member determined that the water ingress was manageable and that it was safe to attempt to save the vessel.

The mechanic carried out temporary repairs which successfully stopped the water entering the vessel. With the situation stabilised, the lifeboat began to escort the casualty vessel back towards Deganwy.

The repairs proved effective and the vessel remained dry and stable. North of the Great Orme, the RNLI crew member and pumping equipment were transferred back to the lifeboat. The casualty vessel was then able to continue on its journey under its own power.

Geoff Cowen, Llandudno RNLI Launch Authority, said: "Every incident is assessed on its own merits. Once we'd established that the water ingress had been stopped and the vessel was no longer at risk, the safest and most practical option was to assist it back towards the marina. Saving a vessel where it is safe to do so not only helps the owner but also prevents it becoming a hazard to other water users."

RNLI/Luke Heritage

Download image

RNLI/Luke Heritage

Download image

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Luke Heritage, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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.

Learn more about the RNLI

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

Categories