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Pagers sounded at 4.38pm, requesting the launch of the D-class inshore lifeboat Mary and Archie Hooper. HM Coastguard were contacted after the 40ft vessel, with three people on board, got into trouble near the location known as Porth Dryw.
The sailors were on their way to Penrhos after travelling from the Isle of Man, when the wind carried them off course and inland. The trio had attempted to lay anchor, but this had failed, and the boat and her occupants had been caught by the winds and landed on rocks, where they became stuck.
The lifeboat was quickly launched, with four volunteers on board, and headed to the scene. On arrival, the welfare of the casualties was checked, and all were found to be well. It was agreed that the best course of action would be to take the three people onto the lifeboat, and take them back to shore for safety. Their vessel seemed to be watertight, so was left at the location in the hope that it would refloat when the waters rose.
The casualties were delivered safely ashore at Llanfwrog, into the care of the awaiting volunteer Holyhead coastguard team.The lifeboat then left the scene and returned to station, to be washed and refuelled ready for any further calls.
Helm Sion Owens said:
‘The sailors were experienced and well-equipped, and simply were unlucky with the weather and tides. This incident shows how an early call to the Coastguard means further issues can often be avoided.’
Holyhead RNLI
D class lifeboat Mary and Archie Hooper heads out on Monday
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.
