Concerns for three on stricken yacht near Puffin Island
A rescue mission was launched amid concerns for three people on a stricken yacht near Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol) Anglesey. The 30ft vessel had suffered engine failure and was unable to make progress under power.
Efforts by the yacht's crew to restart the engine were unsuccessful. Sailing to Conwy Marina was ruled out due to the sea conditions and an unfavourable wind direction.
Concerned for the safety of those onboard, Holyhead Coastguard paged RNLI Llandudno at 2.28pm on Saturday, April 19.
Some 20 minutes later, the station launched its all-weather lifeboat, William F Yates. It reached the marooned yacht north of Puffin Island around 3.10pm.
After assessing the situation, duty coxswain Tim James decided the safest course of action was to take the vessel under tow.
A line was attached and the yacht and the two boats reached the Conwy estuary by 4.40pm.
With help from Llandudno Coastguard, the yacht was safely moored alongside the Beacons Jetty by the marina.
Lifeboat operations manager Capt Marcus Elliott said: 'This incident highlights the vital role RNLI volunteers play in ensuring the safety of those at sea.
'The crew's swift response and professionalism ensured that all individuals on board the yacht were brought safely to shore without injury.'
Uninhabited Puffin Island, off the eastern tip of Anglesey, is a Special Protection Area, particularly because of its Great Cormorant colony.
Its modern English name refers to the Atlantic puffins that once thrived on the island until brown rat were introduced accidentally in the late 19th century.
In turn, the rats were wiped out by a poisoning scheme some 25 years ago, allowing the resident puffin population to regain a foothold. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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