Moelfre RNLI mourns the loss of much-loved Coxswain Alan Owen.

Yesterday afternoon (21/08/23) whilst Alan's volunteer crew and close friends were at sea rescuing those in peril, doing what both he and the volunteers knew and loved best, Alan was taken unexpectedly ill at home and devastatingly passed away a short time later in Hospital.

Alan has served RNLI Moelfre for over 34 years, in nothing but a committed, Steadfast and passionate capacity. Volunteering alongside his late stepfather Vic and many more of his close friends, as a keen and dedicated teenage boy wanting nothing more but to fulfil his childhood dream of becoming Moelfre lifeboat crew. Alan has since served as volunteer shorecrew, winchman and head launcher, later becoming ALB and ILB crew, ALB navigator and ILB Helmsman and then Deputy ALB coxswain. Alan also volunteered for the RNLI flood rescue team, assisting in the Cumbria and North Wales floods of 2015. Alan’s passion for SAR navigation and planning was second to none, and he loved nothing more than sharing this knowledge and passion with his volunteer crew.

In 2019 Alan fulfilled his childhood dream and ambition by becoming Moelfre’s full time lifeboat coxswain. A role in which he served with nothing but dedication, care and compassion, not only towards his crew but to the public and those whom he rescued, in peril at sea. Alan always put everyone else’s needs before his own, and we will be eternally grateful for this sacrifice and forever in his debt.

As a crew and community, we offer Alan’s partner Mags, his mother Helen, Magic his dog and Alan's extended family and friends our deepest sympathy, and condolences. We hold you all close in our thoughts and prayers.

Alan, Al …Tymoel…Our coxswain our leader, our friend, we will forever miss you, we all thank you and wish you nothing but Fair winds and calm seas.

Our station and volunteer crew will remain fully operational, providing lifesaving cover around the Anglesey and North Wales coast, with Alan's best friend and 2nd Coxswain Martin Jones (Bonty) in command. A commendable feat in such challenging times for all…. But as Alan's crew, we all know he wouldn’t want it any other way.

The station will be closed to the public for the time being as a mark of respect to Alan and allow his friends and crew to come to terms with such a huge and devastating loss. We kindly ask that our supporters respect the privacy of Alan’s family, friends and volunteer crew during this extremely sad and difficult time.

For further information, please contact Phil Williams, Moelfre Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07773 979910

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.

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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.