Holyhead RNLI launch after yacht issues Pan-Pan
Both Holyhead RNLI lifeboats were called to assist after a yacht got into difficulty on Tuesday night.
Pagers first sounded just after 8pm on Tuesday evening (June 9) , after a yacht, with two people on board, issued a Pan-Pan signal, needing help after its propeller became caught in a buoy. HM Coastguard requested the launch of the all-weather lifeboat Ger Tigchelaar.
A Pan-Pan signal is used by sailors to communicate that urgent help is needed, but there is no immediate danger.
Crew headed to the inner port where the lifeboat is berthed, and headed to the scene, reported as 12 nautical miles south south west of South Stack.
En route, the lifeboat crew were unable to establish direct communication with the casualty vessel, but as they reached the location, they were able to make an assessment of the situation.
The yacht, which had initially been reported as 12ft long, but which turned out to be quite a bit larger at approximately 35 ft, had broken free of the buoy, and was starting to make very slow headway, but was struggling against the strong tides. The sailors were unable to use the vessel’s propeller due to its encounter with the buoy, and had limited steering.
Communication was established with the crew, and due to the vessel’s issues and the crew being tired and not confident they could make their own way, a plan was made to tow the yacht to the safety of Holyhead harbour.
A tow was established, and the journey began to Holyhead at a steady pace of 5-6 knots.
As they reached South Stack, the lifeboat crew were informed that one of the casualties was feeling unwell, and was receiving medication for a pre-existing medical condition. HM Coastguard requested the launch of the D-class inshore lifeboat, Mary and Archie Hooper, to meet the casualty and larger lifeboat, and assist with the tow.
The ILB launched just after midnight, and joined the scene. The crew were able to guide and assist the casualty vessel onto the casualty mooring within Holyhead harbour, and once safely moored and checks made that the two sailors were well, both lifeboats left the scene, and headed back to their respective locations to be prepared for any further calls.
Holyhead RNLI coxswain Mark Wade said:
‘Apart from the fouled propeller, the yacht was in good condition and the sailors were well-equipped. They did the right thing issuing a call for help. The weather and tides were quite challenging, and the two sailors were very grateful for our assistance.’
He also added:
‘Well done once again to the crew of volunteers, who, as ever, turned out despite the hour, to help others in trouble. We’d also like to express thanks to another local vessel, that had initially attended the casualty vessel after the Pan-Pan was issued, but was unable to help due to the conditions.’
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Vicki Owens, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Holyhead, [email protected] or 07531 681409
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]
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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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