Anglesey lifeboat battles horrendous seas to save stranded yacht crew 20 miles off coast

A lifeboat team battled “horrendous seas” to save the crew of a yacht which broke down 20 miles off the coast of Anglesey.

Volunteers on the Moelfre all-weather lifeboat launched in gale force winds on Tuesday to rescue the stricken yacht, which was located far north of the former fishing village.

It followed a mayday call Holyhead coastguard from the 13 metre vessel, which was travelling from Stranraer to Port Dinorwic.

During the journey, it suffered engine failure and was struggling to make progress because of the poor weather conditions.

The RNLI lifeboat was out on the water within 15 minutes, going up against wind speeds of more than 65mph.

The crew of a passing container ship had offered to provide shelter, but was forced to withdraw due to concerns that both vessels would collide.

Approximately 50 minutes after launch, the lifeboat team arrived on the scene to check on the yacht crew’s wellbeing and tow them to safety.

The RNLI said: “In what can only be described as horrendous sea conditions, the lifeboat could only tow at speeds of between two to three knots.

“This was not only for crew safety, but also to prevent damage to the towline, or to either vessel.

“After several hours at sea, the lifeboat arrived back at Moelfre, where the vessel was secured to the RNLI emergency lifeboat mooring.

“After over nine hours at sea, battling the challenging conditions, the all-weather lifeboat rehoused and made ready for her next call to service

“The lifeboat station would like to thank the skipper of the yacht for his professionalism throughout.

“They would also like to extend thanks to the partners and family of the volunteer crew and shore crew, who anxiously waited for their loved ones to safely return.”