First call-out for new Pwllheli RNLI volunteer coxswain

A significant milestone for Pwllheli RNLI volunteer Anton Hook came in the early hours of Tuesday, 9 June, when he led his first service launch as coxswain after HM Coastguard requested assistance for a yacht experiencing engine failure off Gimblet Rock.

Pwllheli RNLI's all-weather lifeboat, Smith Brothers, launched in the early hours of Tuesday, 9 June to assist a yacht with three people on board after it suffered engine failure approximately half a mile south of Gimblet Rock, Pwllheli.

HM Coastguard requested the launch after the 10-metre vessel, which had been sailing from Ireland, reported engine failure and was unable to make safe progress. The three sailors on board, all of whom were wearing lifejackets, were becoming increasingly fatigued and were unable to resolve the situation themselves.

The volunteer crew were paged at 5.32am and the all-weather lifeboat launched shortly afterwards. On arrival, the crew assessed the situation and determined that the safest course of action was to establish a tow and bring the yacht and its three crew safely to Pwllheli Marina.

The call-out marked a significant milestone for Pwllheli RNLI volunteer Anton Hook, who was serving as Coxswain for the first time.

Anton said:

‘It was a privilege to take command of the all-weather lifeboat for my first service as Coxswain and I'm incredibly proud of how our volunteer crew responded. The yacht's crew had done exactly the right thing by wearing lifejackets and seeking assistance when they realised that they could no longer resolve the situation themselves. Thanks to the teamwork and professionalism of everyone involved, we were able to bring all three sailors safely into Pwllheli Marina.’

Anton added:

‘Training for the Coxswain role takes a great deal of commitment and support from fellow crew members, so it was a proud moment to complete my first call-out in command. I'd like to thank the crew, shore crew and HM Coastguard for their support throughout the service.’

The incident highlights how even well-prepared experienced sailors can find themselves requiring assistance at sea. In this case, the crew had the appropriate safety equipment, were wearing lifejackets and contacted the Coastguard when they recognised that they were unable to safely resolve the situation themselves.

Following the successful tow to Pwllheli Marina, the lifeboat was made ready for service again by 7.25am.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

Pwllheli lifeboat station has been operating since 1891. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/pwllheli-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Caroline Jones, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or 07753 397977.

Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and around 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.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Caroline Jones, 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.