Lifeboat tow for trawler:
CREW’S FIRST LOCKDOWN CALL-OUT TO STRICKEN BOAT 22 MILES OFF ANGLESEY
ABOAT was rescued after losing power 22 miles off the Anglesey coast.
RNLI volunteers from Holyhead were called out on Wednesday afternoon after the engine on the vessel with three people on board cut out due to a piece of rope debris becoming caught in the propeller.
The lifeboat crew managed to rescue the boat during a six-and-a-half hour operation – along with its precious cargo of fresh seafood.
The 15-metre trawler was on its way back to Holyhead after three days at sea when it got into difficulty 22 miles south-west of South Stack.
The boat was drifting south at two knots before lifeboat volunteers made it onto the scene.
The crew then towed the boat back to shore.
It was the first callout for the lifeboat crew since new procedures were brought in due to the coronavirus outbreak, which includes volunteers wearing PPE.
Coxswain Tony Price said: “The new launch procedure worked well. This is new territory for us all, and the crew had all been made fully aware prior to any calls of what is expected, in order for them to comply with the new regulations.
“They are there to keep ourselves and any casualties as safe as possible at this unprecedented time.”
He added: “Sea and weather conditions were excellent. The experienced fishermen were out at sea earning their living, providing food for our shelves and were unlucky to have issues.
“Their stock was not affected as they kept refrigeration throughout. As ever, our crew did their job brilliantly to provide a successful outcome.”
The vessel was returned to shore at around 11pm.