Double shout for Holyhead RNLI

Pagers sounded just after 3.40pm requesting the launch of the inshore lifeboat Mary and Archie Hooper, and the all-weather lifeboat Frederick Storey Cockburn, reporting that the vessel had spotted a lone man who appeared to be injured, on rocks at Ynys Y Fydlyn.

The volunteer crew launched both lifeboats quickly, and headed immediately to the scene. Local volunteer cliff rescue teams from Holyhead and Cemaes Bay were also tasked to the incident by HM Coastguard.

The inshore lifeboat (ILB) arrived at the scene first, and discovered that while trying to assist the injured man, the vessel that had made the initial call had also got into trouble, damaging their engine and unable to make headway.

Two ILB volunteer crew members were transferred ashore to assess the injured man and begin casualty care. It transpired that he had been unable to call for help himself due to dropping his phone during the fall.

Meanwhile, the all-weather lifeboat arrived on scene, and six people were brought aboard from the damaged vessel. Due to them having no means of navigating to safety a plan was made to establish a tow to take her back to Llanfwrog, where she had travelled from, which was deemed the most suitable safe place.

The local cliff rescue teams soon arrived to assist with the care of the injured man, and it was decided that, due to him sustaining suspected broken bones, the Coastguard helicopter would be called to transfer him to hospital. HM Coastguard contacted their helimed team, who arrived within minutes, and after a conversation with our volunteers and the cliff rescue teams, agreed the man needed to be taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd by helicopter.

The man was safely winched into the helicopter, and flown immediately to hospital, where he was treated before being released.

Both lifeboats then left the area and headed back to Holyhead, arriving back to their respective berths at approximately 8pm, where they were prepared for any further calls.

Speaking about the rescue of the injured walker, Dave Roberts, Senior Helm at Holyhead RNLI, said:

‘We must give huge thanks to the occupants of the vessel for not only spotting the man and dialling 999 to contact the Coastguard – but who also sustained damage to their own craft while trying to help someone else.’

He added;

‘The casualty was very fortunate that he was spotted in such a remote location, and as a direct result, was able to be located and treated.

Holyhead RNLI Coxswain Mark Wade said:

‘This was another challenging call, particularly as it turned into two rescues, but everyone involved worked well together, including our friends in the local cliff rescue teams. We were pleased to be able to assist the occupants of the vessel after their good deed, and we wish the injured walker a full and speedy recovery.’

RNLI media contacts
For any further information, please contact Vicki Owens, Holyhead RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07531 681409 / Email [email protected] or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on 07977 728315

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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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