Holyhead RNLI diverted to yacht in trouble

Pagers sounded at 11.43am, requesting the launch of the all-weather lifeboat Frederick Storey Cockburn, to a location east of Cemaes. A member of the public had called 999, thinking the five kayakers looked to be in trouble.

Just after the ALB launched from her berth at Holyhead Port, HM Coastguard reported that the kayakers were all well and were simply sheltering from the winds, and there was no need for the lifeboat to attend.

Meanwhile, another sailor had issued a ‘pan-pan’ signal, indicating he was in need of urgent assistance. HM Coastguard requested the lifeboat’s immediate attendance to that casualty, who was situated south-west of the Skerries islet. The casualty had reported a problem with his mast, which meant he was unable to make any headway in the strong winds. It was also initially thought there may be a person in the water.

The lifeboat reached the scene quickly, and found that there was no one in the water. The yacht had lost a sail from the port side, which had then been blown under the vessel and caught in the rudder. The sailor who had issued the pan-pan was also suffering from fatigue. The strong winds and 2 to 3-metre seas meant the yacht and sailor were in a vulnerable position.

It was quickly decided that the best course of action would be to tow the yacht to the safety of Holyhead harbour.

Once the casualty vessel had been towed to the calmer harbour area, the inshore lifeboat Mary and Archie Hooper arrived to assist, and one crew member was placed aboard the yacht in order to help bring the vessel and her occupant to safety.

The casualty vessel was then placed on to a Holyhead Sailing Club mooring. Both lifeboats then left the scene and returned to their respective berths and were made ready for any further calls.

Holyhead coxswain Mark Wade said:

‘The initial call to the kayakers was a false alarm with good intent. We then diverted to help this sailor on his yacht, who was well prepared with the correct equipment and a means of calling for help. The weather meant he got into difficulty, but he called for help in good time, and we were glad to be able to assist. ’

For any further information, please contact Vicki Owens, Holyhead Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07531 681409 or email [email protected]

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