Dramatic Mayday rescue by Holyhead RNLI

Both the station’s lifeboats were paged just after 4pm on Tuesday afternoon (24 June) after reports of a man in the water after his vessel had struck the Platters, a set of rocks near The Skerries, and begun to sink.

The volunteer crews of the all-weather lifeboat Frederick Storey Cockburn, and the D-class inshore lifeboat Mary and Archie Hooper launched and headed immediately to the scene. The HM Coastguard rescue helicopter had also been tasked, and was at the scene within minutes.

Local vessels, including two inbound ferries, who also heard the Mayday, diverted their course and stayed in the area of the vessel’s last position, to assist if needed. HM Coastguard had lost all contact with the vessel, and it was believed the sailor had entered the water.

The lifeboats were on scene just after 4.30pm, and the helicopter had also arrived to assist with the search.

As they began searching, the volunteers spotted a red bag floating in the sea, possibly from the casualty vessel. With the HM Coastguard co-ordinating, both lifeboats the helicopter began an immediate search of that area, believing the casualty to be nearby

The crew of the HM Coastguard helicopter then spotted the man in the water, approximately 200 yards away from the ILB crew, who headed immediately to the location. On getting view of the casualty in the water in his lifejacket and holding his radio high with one arm, the crew were able to quickly reach him and pull him out of the water onto the lifeboat.

The casualty was immediately assessed, and as a result of being in the water for over 30 minutes, he was severely hypothermic, and had swallowed a lot of sea water. Due to the rough sea conditions, it was decided that the best course of action would be to transfer him onto the all-weather lifeboat and then for the man to be winched up to the HM helicopter.

After performing a slow but steady transfer of the casualty across to the all-weather lifeboat, the inshore crew were then tasked with recovering other equipment which had been spotted by the helicopter team.

Once the casualty was safely aboard the all-weather lifeboat, she manoeuvred into a suitable position for the helicopter winch paramedic to be lowered onto the aft deck, which was carried out very quickly, and, soon after, the casualty was winched up to the helicopter and transferred immediately to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.

Both RNLI lifeboats then left the scene and headed back to their respective berths by 7.30pm, where they were washed and refuelled for any further calls.

Gareth Owens, who was a crewman on the all-weather lifeboat during the rescue said:

‘In over 30 years of volunteering, I've never been more sure that we saved that man’s life. A brilliant effort by everyone involved.’

Holyhead RNLI coxswain Mark Wade said:

‘The man was an experienced sailor and thankfully was able to issue a Mayday in time. The sea conditions meant he had been carried away from the initial location. Sadly, his vessel was lost, but the fact that he had a radio with him and was wearing a lifejacket undoubtedly helped save his life.’

He added:

‘The fantastic team effort with between ourselves, the HM Coastguard helicopter team and those in the control room, as well as the great support from nearby vessels including the two ferries, meant this emergency call ended so much better than it could have. We wish him a full and speedy recovery.'

For further information, please contact:

Vicki Owens, Holyhead RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07531 681409 or email [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728315

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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