Porthdinllaen RNLI launched to reports of EPIRB activation

Launching to a fresh breeze but calm seas, and with a full complement of volunteer crew on board and Coxswain Caryl Thomas at the helm, the station's Tamar-class lifeboat made best possible speed towards the reported position.Arriving on scene, Porthdinllaen Lifeboat was soon joined by colleagues from Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from nearby Caernarfon Airport.

Trearddur Bay's Atlantic-class lifeboat conducted a thorough coastline search from Trearddur Bay northwards towards Holyhead, while Porthdinllaen Lifeboat was assigned an area further offshore to search. The rescue helicopter carried out a search to the north of the area. Despite extensive searches by all units, no vessel or persons in distress were located.

Meanwhile, HM Coastguard at Holyhead was conducting enquiries ashore to establish whether any vessels from the area were overdue. It was soon discovered that a fishing vessel had lost its EPIRB several days earlier during heavy rolling seas, and it was suspected that this was the beacon being detected.

Later in the operation, the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter located a device matching the description. With no reports of any vessels overdue or in difficulty, and satisfied that there was no ongoing danger, the search was stood down.

Porthdinllaen Lifeboat subsequently returned to station, where it was refuelled and made ready for service again by 1:45am.

Dylan Thomas on behalf of Porthdinllaen Lifebaot Station added "As always we were happy to assist in the search tonight and our thanks go to our colleagues at Treaddur Bay Lifeboat station and the Coastguard helicopter crew".