An off duty lifeboat man contacted Holyhead Coastguard just after 4:00 p.m. reporting a 35foot yacht making slow progress in Bardsey Sound, off the Lleyn Peninsula, North Wales, which he thought may have been in need of assistance due to the severe weather conditions on scene, southwest winds force 10. 

Holyhead Coastguard made several attempts in contacting the vessel and sent the Aberdaron Coastguard Rescue team to observe the vessel. Holyhead Coastguard then received a 'Mayday', from the vessel 'Aoife', stating they were dismasted and had 3 people on board and needed assistance. RNLI Porthdinllaen all weather lifeboat was requested to launch in order to assist the boat with respect to proceeding to Porthdinllaen. 

Ray Carson, Watch Manager, Holyhead Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre says: "We were keen for this yacht to be assisted into a safe haven as quickly as possible, as the weather conditions on scene are treacherous and are forecast to worsen throughout the night. I am pleased to say the yacht has now reached Porthdinllaen at 5:35 p.m. and is on a RNLI mooring."

Last Updated ( Sunday, 19 November 2006 )