LIFESAVERS were called to aid a 29ft-yacht which had come off her anchor and drifted into rocks.

Holyhead’s all-weather lifeboat set out in the early hours Monday, June 19, about 2.30am.

The sailor of the yacht was travelling from the west coast of Scotland down to the Bristol Channel, and had anchored in the area overnight after sailing from the Isle of Man to rest before continuing his journey.

Overnight he was alerted to the fact his vessel had come off her anchor and had drifted onto rocks at Cemaes Bay.

North Wales Chronicle: RNLI Holyhead Lifeboat received a page during the early hours of the morning.RNLI Holyhead Lifeboat received a page during the early hours of the morning. (Image: RNLI Holyhead Lifeboat Station (Facebook))

A spokesperson for RNLI Holyhead Lifeboat Station said: "Lifeboat crew pagers sounded just before 2am, with HM Coastguard asking for the launch of Severn-class lifeboat Christopher Pearce. Volunteer crew assembled quickly, and the lifeboat was launched by 2.30am.

"The lifeboat and crew were at the scene within 20 minutes of launch, and the daughter craft Y-boat was prepared for deployment.

"The casualty vessel was spotted with her stern end firmly on the rocks, and it was realised immediately that the man needed to be evacuated and brought onto the lifeboat, as the boat was listing.

"The Y-boat was deployed with two lifeboat volunteers, and the man was delivered safely onto the lifeboat.

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"His personal welfare was checked, and he was found to be well.

"Due to the vessel’s position and the tide, it was decided it was too dangerous to try and removed her from the rocks at that time."

The lifeboat stayed on scene for an hour to monitor the situation and a decision was made to await the higher tide later in the day in order to retrieve the yacht in "more appropriate conditions."

Crew reassembled for the second time a few hours later and the all-weather-lifeboat was launched at 8.30am, and once again headed back to the area.

The spokesperson added: "The casualty vessel was beginning to refloat, and so a tow was able to be established, and the lifeboat and yacht then made way back to Holyhead Marina, arriving back just before 1pm.

"The salvage pump was then used to remove the water that had been ingressed by the casualty vessel, which was found to have a hole in her bow.

"The lifeboat then headed back to her berth within Holyhead Port, to be made ready for any further calls."

 

Tony Price, Holyhead RNLI coxswain, said: "This was an excellent team effort by all concerned, for a true seamanship service.

"The man was a very well equipped and experienced sailor, who correctly raised the alarm as soon as he realised the trouble he was on.

"We were relieved to find him safe and well, and to bring him on board our all-weather lifeboat."