April 07, 2024 - 342 views
Llandudno volunteers crewing the all-weather relief Shannon class lifeboat John Metters, launched at 6.15pm on Friday to locate and assist a stranded 10m yacht on route from Liverpool to Conwy.
The yacht was located approx. 10 nautical miles north-east of Llandudno. The casualty vessel had reported machinery issues, difficulty making headway, concern about the weather forecast and about drifting into the wind farm and shipping lane.
An offshore support vessel together with Mersey pilot launch had also responded to the Mayday call. Llandudno lifeboat arrived at the location at 6.50pm to assist the five persons on board. The Coxswain, in consultation with HM Coastguard, soon concluded that towing to Conwy was the safest and most expedient course of action.
An RNLI spokesperson reported: "This tow and passage went smoothly and to plan despite initial swells. Our intervention meant the yacht did not get into any further danger with the risk of the situation deteriorating had we not intervened. The vessel and crew were released near Conwy Marina returning safely to shore."
Leaving the yacht to secure a safe mooring, the lifeboat crew were able to make way back to Llandudno to be recovered by the waiting shore crew and prepared for future launches by 11.30pm.
