Four RNLI lifeboats rescue two yachts overnight on August Bank Holiday
Hoylake RNLI lifeboat launched in the early hours of Monday 25 August to assist Rhyl RNLI in the rescue of a yacht that had suffered electrical failure with two people on board.
HM Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood at 1:10am to take over the tow of the casualty vessel from Rhyl RNLI. The yacht was unable to get underway and with the crew feeling the effects of the sea conditions, it was assessed that the safest option was for the vessel to be taken under tow to the nearest safe and suitable port.
Hoylake RNLI lifeboat rendezvoused with Rhyl RNLI lifeboat near the entrance to the River Mersey and the volunteer crews safely transferred the tow between the lifeboats.
Hoylake RNLI lifeboat then brought the vessel up the Queen’s Channel to New Brighton, where the New Brighton RNLI lifeboat assisted the casualty vessel to take up a mooring.
Hoylake RNLI lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station, but while en route the volunteer crew spotted another small yacht offshore from Hoylake that appeared to be drifting in the tide. The 18ft vessel was reported to HM Coastguard and on inspection, the RNLI crew found nobody on board and that the yacht appeared to have broken from its mooring.
As the yacht presented a potential hazard to other vessels and their crews, it was determined that the lifeboat should take the yacht under tow and secure it so it could be reunited with its owner.
West Kirby RNLI lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard to receive the tow from Hoylake RNLI near Hilbre Island. Hoylake Lifeboat stood down and returned to station, arriving at 7:31am to be washed down, refuelled and made ready for her next service by the volunteer crew. West Kirby RNLI later safely moored the yacht at 11:30am after a four hour wait for the tide and investigating reports of dog walkers cut off by the tide near Tanksey Rocks.
Howie Owen, Hoylake RNLI Coxswain, said: ‘Through fantastic cooperation between four lifeboats acting as one crew, our dedicated RNLI volunteers worked swiftly through the night on the bank holiday to bring the sailors and two yachts to safety.’
Whether sailing or motorboating, if you get into difficulty at sea, always call the Coastguard on VHF Channel 16 or by dialling 999. Check out the RNLI’s advice so you can have fun and stay safe while at sea here: RNLI.org/sailing
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For more information, please contact:
Dan Whiteley, Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 851 316 or email [email protected]
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 or email [email protected]
RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789
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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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