Lifeboat crew races to rescue pair from the rocks

WALKERS AND RNLI SAVE GRANDAD AND HIS FIVE-YEAR-OLD GRANDSON

A GRANDAD and his five year old grandson were trapped when their boat was driven onto rocks and began to sink.

The inshore lifeboat was scrambled from Holyhead after people reported seeing the vessel being dashed against the end of the breakwater, last Tuesday, June 6.

The boat had become snagged on lobster pots during heavy winds and choppy seas, and was driven towards the rocks.

A nearby group of walkers spotted the 25-foot Sea Ray, and called the RNLI before running down to try to help.

The grandad was able to pass his grandson over to the walkers.

The lifeboat arrived and one of the crew had to climb on board to fasten the tow rope.

The lifeboat then towed the sinking boat to the slipway. The grandad and grandson were reunited on the shore and, although there were shaken by their ordeal, they were unhurt. Lifeboat coxswain Tony Price said the incident showed how even an experienced seafarer, as the grandfather was, can get into difficulties. He also stressed the importance of always wearing lifejackets, even in the harbour area. He said: “It could have ended much worse than it did. “It was very lucky that members of the public were nearby and made the call, and then helped get the little boy to safety.” The inshore lifeboat returned to the station at 5.30pm where she was prepared for service. The all-weather lifeboat was also placed on standby during the incident but was not required.