The calm, windless sea was ideal for towing, but no good for sailing, so a solo sailor off Holyhead in the UK did the right thing and called the RNLI when his motor broke down.
Pagers sounded just before 5pm on April 16, and the volunteer crew gathered at the lifeboat’s berth in the inner port, before heading towards the Cemaes Bay area. HM Coastguard cited that the 34ft yacht had suffered engine trouble, and due to lack of wind, was unable to make her own way.
The casualty vessel was located just off Carmel Head, and after checking all was well with the sailor, a tow was quickly established, and both vessels made their way back to Holyhead, arriving back to the marina at approximately 6.30pm. After securing the yacht onto a berth, the Severn-class lifeboat then made her way back to her own berth at the port.
David Owens, Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) at Holyhead RNLI said, “The sailor did the correct thing calling for assistance. Once again, our volunteer crew turned out in force to help someone in distress, and the rescue was carried out quickly and efficiently, and adhering to all covid protocols.”
Coxswain for the rescue, Ian James, said the call was the crew’s first opportunity to use brand new towing gear, and all had gone well.
The crew had only been trained in using the new equipment over the last few days.
