Moelfre RNLI volunteers launched after calls of Yacht in distress

AT 12:14pm on Wednesday 8th August the RNLI Moelfre volunteers launched the inshore lifeboat Enfys 2. They were tasked by the Holyhead based U.K. Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, relating to a 12-metre yacht that had a snagged propeller in Moelfre Bay.

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Moelfre ILB was on scene within two minutes and quickly established that all was well with the two crew members on board the casualty vessel. One of the yacht crew members had previously entered the water to try and free the propeller, but they soon realised that the best and safest course of action would be to contact the Coastguard and ask for help.

A short discussion took place between the yacht owner and the volunteer lifeboat helm, they concluded that the best option would be to tow the casualty vessel to a safe mooring at Beaumaris. An RNLI crew member went onboard the casualty vessel to monitor the tow-line and to assist the yacht’s crew.

The lifeboat towed the casualty vessel towards Penmon so that the RNLI crew at Beaumaris could take over the tow. In the meantime however, it became apparent that the size of the yacht, the strong tide and the onshore wind was proving difficult for the inshore lifeboat.

The ILB helm radioed Holyhead Coastguard requesting that the Moelfre all-weather lifeboat be tasked to assist in towing the casualty vessel. At 1:25 pm Kiwi the all-weather lifeboat launched and ten minutes later had taken over the tow so that the ILB could then return to the boathouse.

At 1:15pm, the Beaumaris Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Annette Mary Liddington launched so that her volunteer crew, could assist in towing the casualty vessel.

Beaumaris Lifeboat proceeded to rendezvous with the Moelfre All Weather Lifeboat and took over the tow, proceeding to the pontoon at Beaumaris. They were met by members of the Beaumaris Mobile Coastguard Rescue Team, where the yacht was made secure.

Once this was completed the lifeboat was released from the service by the U.K. Coastguard to return to her station at Beaumaris, where she was refuelled and cleaned under the current Covid 19 instructions. Once this had been completed the crew left the station.

Moelfre all-weather lifeboat Kiwi was back on slip at 3:10pm. This was a successful multi-agency rescue, where the flanking RNLI station crews and the Coastguard teams worked together. In an emergency on the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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