02-06-2025
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.'
