THREE MEN RESCUED FROM NEWLY PURCHASED ANGLING BOAT

Three men were rescued from an angling boat they had just bought when it broke down in the Menai Strait.

Holyhead Coastguard received a 999 phone call from one of the men on board the 28 foot boat at just after midnight today. He explained that the engine had cut out and they were drifting towards rocks.

Because the crew weren’t sure exactly where they were Penmon, Bangor and Llandwrog Coastguard Rescue Team were sent to the area. The RNLI inshore lifeboat from Beaumaris and the All weather lifeboat from Porthdinllaen were asked to attend alongside the RAF rescue helicopter from Valley. Using the blue flashing lights from Coastguard vehicles Holyhead Coastguard were able to establish their exact location. The crew were lifted to safety and taken to hospital by the rescue helicopter. The Beaumaris lifeboat towed their vessel ashore to Caernarfon.

Barry Priddis Holyhead Watch Manager said:

“This crew had recently bought to boat but what they hadn’t acquired were waterproof clothing, lifejackets, flares or training in how to use a vhf radio. They also had no way of knowing where they were.

“Luckily there were in sight of land when the engine failed so they were able to make a mobile phone call but a fun fishing trip could easily have turned to tragedy. 

“If you are buying a boat please think about the other equipment you’ll need. We recommend that you wear a lifejacket at all times when on deck. These should be well maintained and have a sprayhood, light and whistle. You should also have DSC or vhf radio communications and know how to use it.”

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

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