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RNLI Moelfre Volunteers Rescue Two Sailors After Dinghy Capsized.

Lifeboats News Release

RNLI Moelfre volunteers were tasked at 4:10 pm on Sunday, 29th June 2025, by HM Coastguard to report that an upturned kayak with two persons in the water, 1.5 km Northwest of Ynys Seiriol (Puffin Island), was in difficulties. It was also reported that the kayak was deflating.

RNLI/Moelfre

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Moelfre all-weather lifeboat ‘Kiwi’ made good speed, and once on scene, it became clear to the RNLI crew that they were dealing with an overturned dinghy with two people sitting on the capsized hull.

The RNLI volunteers quickly got the casualties onboard the lifeboat. Both casualties were cold and tired after trying to right their capsized vessel, and they were also showing signs of shock.
Complete casualty care assessments were given, and our trained casualty care crew members constantly monitored both casualties.

With the casualties safely onboard the lifeboat, the crew launched the onboard Y-boat, a smaller boat designed for manoeuvring in tight spaces, so that three RNLI volunteers could attempt to right the overturned sailing dinghy. It took considerable effort to right the fully rigged vessel, and the RNLI volunteers then de-rigged the casualty vessel.

It was decided that the best safe mooring would be at Traeth Bychan to prevent a long tow. Relief coxswain Pete Yates suggested bringing the casualty vessel into the transom bay of the lifeboat, a secure area at the rear of the lifeboat. This was attempted and proved successful, which meant that making the journey back to shore was more efficient.

Both casualties were well-equipped and had the necessary emergency equipment.
Once at Traeth Bychan, Penmon Coastguard team assisted in securing the casualty vessel and also gave safety advice to both casualties, they were also advised to seek further medical attention if they showed any signs of sickness, shortness of breath, etc in the next 48-72 hours to make their way to the hospital.

Deputy Second Coxswain, Mike Hughes Roberts, said
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"Even though both sailors were tired, they did the right thing by dialling 999 before they became too exhausted. They wisely had their means of communication safely stored in a dry bag, ensuring it would be serviceable in time of need".

Kiwi was then stood down, having successfully completed the rescue operation, and made ready for her next call to service.

For further information, please contact Phil Williams, Moelfre Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07773979910,

RNLI/Moelfre.

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Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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About the author

Phil Williams
Lifeboat Press Officer, Moelfre Lifeboat Station

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