Hoylake and Rhyl RNLI rescue two vessels drifting in fog after engine failure

The vessels were drifting close to the Douglas Gas Platform and the Vessel Traffic Service for the Port of Liverpool (Mersey VTS) was concerned for their safety and that they posed a danger to other shipping in the poor visibility.

Mersey VTS reported the situation to HM Coastguard, which requested the launch of Rhyl and Hoylake RNLI’s all-weather Shannon class lifeboats shortly after 11am.

Rhyl RNLI lifeboat Anthony Kenneth Heard arrived on scene, where the casualty vessels had been initially taken under tow by a Liverpool Pilot Vessel given the immediate danger in the area.

The Rhyl crew secured both vessels from the pilot launch and identified that one was a work boat with two people on board, while the other was unmanned pleasure craft. Hoylake RNLI lifeboat Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood rendezvoused with Rhyl RNLI around 16 miles out at sea, where the volunteer crews ensured the wellbeing of the two people and assessed the situation.

The casualty vessels were unable to get underway due to engine failure and the conditions presented a risk to both the casualties and other craft near the busy shipping lanes of the River Mersey. In consultation with the casualties and HM Coastguard, it was assessed that the best option was for the RNLI lifeboats to tow the vessels to the nearest safe and suitable port at Mostyn.

Rhyl and Hoylake RNLI lifeboats each took a vessel under tow, with a Hoylake crew member put on board the unmanned craft to monitor its progress, and brought the vessels to Mostyn Docks where they were safely berthed. With the causalities requiring no further assistance and the crew able to get ashore safely, the RNLI lifeboats were stood down and returned to station.

Harry Jones, Hoylake RNLI Coxswain, said:

‘With the fog and busy marine traffic posing a huge risk to the casualty vessels and their crew so far out at sea, every minute counted in this incident. Working closely with Rhyl RNLI, our volunteer crews worked together to ensure that both craft and the people on board could brought to safety.’

Callum Robinson, Rhyl RNLI Senior Station Technician, added:

‘Mechanical failure is the single biggest cause of RNLI lifeboat launches to motor and sailing vessels. Before heading out, always make sure your engine and communications equipment are well maintained, and if you do get into difficulty at sea, call the Coastguard on VHF Channel 16 or by dialling 999.’

Whether sailing or motorboating, check out the RNLI’s advice so you can have fun and stay safe while at sea here: RNLI.org/sailing.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact:

Dan Whiteley, Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 851 316 or email [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 or email [email protected]

RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789

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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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