Llandudno inshore lifeboat Dr Barbara Saunderson was first to launch at 7.50 am Saturday morning having been tasked by HM Coastguard to provide urgent assistance to a 27-foot yacht anchored close to Llandudno Pier which was taking on water.

The sole occupant on board had been making earnest efforts to bail out the advancing water before calling the coast guard for the help of the lifeboat. The ILB crew of four were quickly on scene, firstly to evacuate the casualty and then to make an assessment regarding the best solution for salvaging the waterlogged vessel.

Two crew members remained on the yacht while the ILB carried the casualty back to shore to meet the Llandudno Coastguard Team. At 8 am the Llandudno all weather Lifeboat William F Yates was also requested to launch, it was tasked to deliver a salvage pump to the crew on board and then prepare for a tow to Conwy Marina where the yacht could be lifted from the water.

After securing the yacht, the all-weather lifeboat started a demanding two-hour tow to Conwy. Two of the lifeboat crew remained on board to continue operating the salvage pump as well as handling the yacht for its return to safety. Meanwhile the ILB was able to return to the boathouse having been stood down by the HM Coastguard.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Capt. Marcus Elliott reported, "This was an excellent job all round with a very satisfactory outcome. I am pleased to report the yachtsman is safe and well and his boat has been recovered and lifted from the water at Conwy Marina. All of our crew are now safely back at lifeboat station preparing the boats for their next launches".