Donate now

Pwllheli RNLI all-weather lifeboat launches to assist yacht

Lifeboats News Release

Pwllheli RNLI's all-weather Shannon lifeboat was tasked by H.M. Coastguard at 5.59pm on Saturday 20 August to take over a tow from Barmouth all-weather lifeboat. The lifeboats were assisting a 33ft yacht with engine failure, which had two people onboard.

The all-weather lifeboat launched at 6.20pm with six volunteer crew onboard. Pwllheli RNLI rendezvoused with Barmouth all-weather lifeboat at 7.15pm just south west of St Tudwal’s Island where the Pwllheli RNLI volunteer boat crew took over the tow.

The yacht’s communication systems were down so a hand-held VHF radio was passed from the Pwllheli RNLI lifeboat to the yacht crew to maintain communications during the tow.

The yacht was then towed to a berth in Pwllheli Marina and handed over to Criccieth Coastguard Rescue Team.

The Pwllheli RNLI all-weather lifeboat returned to the lifeboat station at 9.45pm and was made ready for service.

The weather was partly cloudy with good visibility, a strong south-westerly breeze of 25mph to 30mph and moderate seas.

Pwllheli RNLI Coxswain Tomos Moore said: ‘A great outcome to the evening as the individuals had been at sea for over 12 hours and I’m sure fatigue was creeping in.

‘Always remember to carry a means of communication when afloat, whether it’s a mobile phone or VHF radio as this could save your life if you do get into difficulties.

If you do require assistance, remember to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.’

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Elizabeth Denholm, Pwllheli RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07806 800627 or email [email protected]. Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected].


RNLI

Pwllheli lifeboat established a tow with the casualty vessel and towed them back to Pwllheli Marina.
RNLI all-weather Shannon lifeboat towing the casualty vessel with an RNLI crew member crouched down looking back towards the yacht.

RNLI/Gavin Jones

Pwllheli RNLI all-weather Shannon lifeboat towing the casualty vessel

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.

Categories