Llandudno Lifeboat launches to assist a stranded yacht after Mayday call
Llandudno volunteers crewing the all-weather relief Shannon class lifeboat John Metters, launched at 6.15pm on Friday 5 April to locate and assist a stranded 10m yacht on route from Liverpool to Conwy.
The yacht was located approx. 10 nautical miles north-east of Llandudno. The casualty vessel had reported machinery issues, difficulty making headway, concern about the weather forecast and about drifting into the wind farm and shipping lane.
An offshore support vessel together with Mersey pilot launch had also responded to the Mayday call. The Llandudno lifeboat arrived at the location at 6.50pm to assist the five persons on board. The Coxswain in consultation with HM Coastguard, soon concluded that towing to Conwy was the safest and most expedient course of action.
An RNLI spokesperson reported:
'This tow and passage went smoothly and to plan despite initial swells. Our intervention meant the yacht did not get into any further danger with the risk of the situation deteriorating had we not intervened. The vessel and crew were released near Conwy Marina returning safely to shore.'
Leaving the yacht to secure a safe mooring, the lifeboat crew were able to make way back to Llandudno to be recovered by the waiting shore crew and prepared for future launches by 11.30pm.
For more information, please contact Jonathan Coe, Llandudno Lifeboat Press Officer on 07910 861193. Alternatively contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith RNLI Regional Communications Manager Wales, Northwest & Isle of Man 07977 728 315
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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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