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North Wales Live
4 days ago
- General
- North Wales Live
Shirtless paddleboarders off Anglesey beach spark alert due to off-shore winds
A group of under-equipped paddleboarders sparked an alert off the coast of Anglesey. The men were struggling in off-shore winds at Traeth Benllech. This saw the Coastguard alerted who scrambled a team and paged the Moelfre RNLI station. They responded with their inshore boat in the incident at around 2pm on Thursday afternoon. A spokesperson for Moelfre RNLI said: "RNLI Moelfre volunteers, launched our Inshore lifeboat (ILB) after being tasked by H.M. Coastguard. The task was to assist paddleboarders who were struggling in the offshore wind at Traeth Benllech. "Also tasked were our colleagues at the Moelfre Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT). Upon arrival, the RNLI crew successfully rescued one of the paddlers, who was then safely transported to Benllech to be met by the CRT. "The remaining four paddleboards were shadowed by our ILB as they made their own way back to the beach under the watchful eye of the Coastguard team, demonstrating the effective collaboration between RNLI and Coastguard in ensuring the safety of the paddleboarders. "None of the paddleboarders were wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). The RNLI crew and the Coastguard team on the beach promptly provided comprehensive safety advice to the paddleboarders, ensuring they were fully aware of the potential risks and equipped with the knowledge to mitigate them in the future." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Moelfre Coastguard Rescue team said: "The team were tasked following reports of paddleboarders struggling to make headway off Traeth Benllech . We were supported by our colleagues at RNLI Moelfre , who launched their Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) on service. "On arrival, three paddleboards with five persons onboard were observed making their way towards St David's. Two Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) were dispatched to meet them on the beach, while two others were sent to the Traeth Bychan side to check on a solo paddleboarder who also appeared to be struggling. "With the group of three boards safely landed at St David's, the ILB returned back towards Traeth Bychan and Traeth Lligwy for a precautionary sweep of the area. "At St David's, our team were able to provide safety advice to the five individuals, none of whom were wearing lifejackets or PFDs , although they did have a phone in a waterproof pouch for communication. They explained they had checked the weather before launching but wisely chose to return to shore as conditions changed. "Meanwhile, the second CRO team located the solo paddleboarder who had taken shelter ashore to rest. With the offshore breeze increasing and the individual appearing tired — and again, not wearing a lifejacket — the ILB made the decision to recover them safely.
North Wales Live
01-07-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
Sailors rescued after vessel capsizes near island nature reserve
Sailors had to be rescued after their vessel capsized near Ynys Seiriol (Puffin Island), off the coast of Anglesey. The two were struggling to right their sailing dinghy and were showing "signs of shock" during the incident on Sunday afternoon. A RNLI Moelfre Lifeboat spokesperson said: "RNLI Moelfre volunteers were tasked at 4:10 pm on Sunday, 29th June 2025, by HM Coastguard to report that an upturned kayak with two persons in the water, 1.5 km Northwest of Ynys Seiriol (Puffin Island), was in difficulties. It was also reported that the kayak was deflating. "Moelfre all-weather lifeboat 'Kiwi' made good speed, and once on scene, it became clear to the RNLI crew that they were dealing with an overturned dinghy with two people sitting on the capsized hull. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday "The RNLI volunteers quickly got the casualties onboard the lifeboat. Both casualties were cold and tired after trying to right their capsized vessel, and they were also showing signs of shock. "Complete casualty care assessments were given, and our trained casualty care crew members constantly monitored both casualties. "With the casualties safely onboard the lifeboat, the crew launched the onboard Y-boat, a smaller boat designed for manoeuvring in tight spaces, so that three RNLI volunteers could attempt to right the overturned sailing dinghy. It took considerable effort to right the fully rigged vessel, and the RNLI volunteers then de-rigged the casualty vessel." "It was decided the best safe mooring would be at Traeth Bychan to prevent a long tow. Relief coxswain Pete Yates suggested bringing the casualty vessel into the transom bay of the lifeboat, a secure area at the rear of the lifeboat. This was attempted and proved successful, which meant that making the journey back to shore was more efficient. According to the Moelfre RNLI, both casualties were well-equipped and had the necessary emergency equipment. Once at Traeth Bychan, Penmon Coastguard team assisted in securing the casualty vessel and also gave safety advice to both casualties, they were also advised to seek further medical attention if they showed any signs of sickness, shortness of breath, in the next 48-72 hours to make their way to the hospital. Deputy Second Coxswain, Mike Hughes Roberts, said. "Even though both sailors were tired, they did the right thing by dialling 999 before they became too exhausted. They wisely had their means of communication safely stored in a dry bag, ensuring it would be serviceable in time of need".
North Wales Chronicle
30-06-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Two sailors rescued after dinghy capsizes near Puffin Island
RNLI Moelfre volunteers were tasked by HM Coastguard at 4.10pm on Sunday, June 29, to assist with an incident about 1.5 kilometres northwest of Ynys Seiriol (Puffin Island). It was also reported that the kayak, identified as a dinghy upon arrival, was deflating. A statement from RNLI Moelfre Lifeboat said: "Moelfre all-weather lifeboat 'Kiwi' made good speed, and once on scene, it became clear to the RNLI crew that they were dealing with an overturned dinghy with two people sitting on the capsized hull. "The RNLI volunteers quickly got the casualties onboard the lifeboat. Both casualties were cold and tired after trying to right their capsized vessel, and they were also showing signs of shock. "Complete casualty care assessments were given, and our trained casualty care crew members constantly monitored both casualties. "With the casualties safely onboard the lifeboat, the crew launched the onboard Y-boat, a smaller boat designed for manoeuvring in tight spaces, so that three RNLI volunteers could attempt to right the overturned sailing dinghy. "It took considerable effort to right the fully rigged vessel, and the RNLI volunteers then de-rigged the casualty vessel. "It was decided that the best safe mooring would be at Traeth Bychan to prevent a long tow. Relief coxswain Pete Yates suggested bringing the casualty vessel into the transom bay of the lifeboat, a secure area at the rear of the lifeboat. This was attempted and proved successful, which meant that making the journey back to shore was more efficient. "Both casualties were well-equipped and had the necessary emergency equipment. "Once at Traeth Bychan, Penmon Coastguard team assisted in securing the casualty vessel and also gave safety advice to both casualties, they were also advised to seek further medical attention if they showed any signs of sickness, shortness of breath, etc in the next 48-72 hours to make their way to the hospital." Mike Hughes Roberts, Deputy Second Coxswain, said: "Even though both sailors were tired, they did the right thing by dialling 999 before they became too exhausted. "They wisely had their means of communication safely stored in a dry bag, ensuring it would be serviceable in time of need."
North Wales Live
02-06-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
Sailing dinghies capsize 'at same time' leaving young girl in desperate position
A young girl was left holding on for dear life when a small dinghy capsized off Anglesey's west coast. It was one of two boats that capsized at the same time in strong gusts near Red Wharf Bay (Traeth Coch). A member of the public saw the drama unfolding and they were to play a key role in the rescue operation. The young girl had been thrown into the water and separated from the dinghy, which was drifting further out to sea with her frantic mother on board. Having swallowed sea water, the youngster clung on desperately to a red buoy. Another sailing dinghy was also overturned in winds gusting up to 35 knots. The occupants made it safely back to shore, managing to beach their vessel. With the girl still holding on to a buoy, a Mayday message was issued. Responding were RNLI Moelfre inshore lifeboat and the Moelfre Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT). By the time they arrived, a jet ski rider had already plucked her to safety. After witnessing the incident, he was 'quick to think and act', launching his jet ski from David's Caravan Park, where he was a resident. Having retrieved both the girl and her mother, he took them back to shore along with their dinghy. RNLI Moelfre said the man played a 'crucial role' in the rescue after spotting the girl in the water. Having been returned to the shore, the pair were passed into the care of Moelfre CRT officers, who took the girl to Traeth Coch Sailing Club to dry off and warm up. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now A Coastguard spokesperson said: 'One young casualty was in a state of shock after ingesting sea water. After observation, the young person was handed into the care of their family, who took them to hospital as a precaution. The second casualty was uninjured and required no further assistance. 'It appears strong offshore gusts had caused both boats to capsize at the same time. While the rescue boat responded to one, a good Samaritan on a jet ski helped the others – fantastic teamwork all round.' Having established all dinghy occupants were now safe, the inshore lifeboat returned to Moelfre. En route, they reported seeing several kayaks on the water, so Moelfre CRT officers headed north to carry out 'welfare checks' at Traeth Benllech and Traeth Bychan. At the latter, children were spotted on an inflatable paddleboard. On this occasion, however, they were safely secured to a buoy and all wearing personal flotation devices under the watchful eye of their parents. The coastguard team said they were 'happy to see best practices being followed'. The rescue took place around 2.45pm on Saturday, May 31. It wasn't until 5.27pm that the coastguard team were finally stood down. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday Gaz Owen, RNLI Moelfre ILB helm, said: 'This incident underscores the critical importance of checking the conditions to ensure they are safe and suitable before heading out on your chosen craft or activity. 'Offshore winds can prove challenging to the most experienced surfboarders and kayakers. Safety checks are not just a formality, they are a crucial part of water safety.'
