Yacht and Six Sailors Rescued By Holyhead RNLI

Pagers sounded at 10.38am, requesting the launch of the all-weather lifeboat Christopher Pearce, to assist the vessel and the six people aboard. The sailors, en route to Fleetwood, were struggling to make headway on their journey, battling strong blustery conditions and high waters. A number were suffering from a mixture of fatigue and sea sickness, and, being concerned for their own welfare, had contacted HM Coastguard asking for help.

The Severn-class lifeboat was launched from her berth within Holyhead Port at 11am, and headed towards the location, approximately three miles north-west of The Skerries. On reaching the destination, the welfare of everyone aboard the yacht was checked, and then the lifeboat crew and casualties worked together to establish a secure tow, and then began to head to Holyhead, which was the nearest safe and secure harbour.

On reaching Holyhead Breakwater and the more sheltered inner harbour area, the coxswain asked the casualties to check their vessel’s motor and steering. When these were found to be operational, the lifeboat released the tow, and the yacht and crew then made their way back to the Holyhead Marina pontoon. The lifeboat then made her way back to her own berth, arriving back to shore at 1.15pm.

The lifeboat was then washed down and prepared for any further calls.

Duty coxswain for the call, Gareth Owens, said:

‘The casualties were all well-equipped and their vessel was in good working order. They were caught out by the weather conditions, and due to being in the busy shipping lane, and struggling with health concerns, they did the correct thing and called for help.’

For any further information, please contact Vicki Owens, Holyhead Lifeboat Station Press Officer, on 07531 681409, or email Vicki [email protected]

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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.

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