Volunteer crew respond to drifting vessel near Puffin Island
Volunteer lifeboat crew from Beaumaris RNLI launched on the evening of 14 July to assist a small fishing boat which had suffered engine failure and lost its anchor close to Puffin Island, beside the Menai Strait.
HM Coastguard tasked the station at 18:39 after the 15‑foot vessel was reported drifting. The station’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, Annette Mary Liddington, went to the scene and found three people aboard. The crew confirmed the occupants were safe but that the boat had lost its anchor and the propeller was damaged.
"The boat crew did the correct thing in alerting the Coastguard to their predicament."
After assessment by the lifeboat helm and consultation with the Coastguard, the decision was taken to tow the vessel to the nearest safe landing point. Owing to tidal conditions and the absence of an anchor, the drifting boat was judged to be a navigational risk to other users of the channel.
- Location: near Puffin Island, Menai Strait
- Time of callout: 18:39 on 14 July
- Vessel: 15‑foot fishing boat; three people on board
- Issue: engine failure, damaged propeller, lost anchor
- Outcome: towed to Beaumaris slipway; recovered ashore with Penmon Mobile Coastguard assistance
The lifeboat returned to station at 20:05, where it was refuelled and cleaned before the crew stood down. The Penmon Mobile Coastguard team supported recovery once the disabled boat had been brought ashore.
Local impact and practical advice
Incidents such as this underline the importance of checking safety kit and alerting the Coastguard promptly when problems occur. The RNLI emphasised that the fishing party did the right thing by calling for help, enabling a swift and organised response that reduced risk to both the vessel’s occupants and other craft in the busy stretch of water.
| Agency | Role |
|---|---|
| Beaumaris RNLI | Search and tow; crew safety checks; recovery to slipway |
| Penmon Mobile Coastguard | Assisted with shore recovery |
Boaters are reminded to carry appropriate lifejackets, ensure communication devices are charged and functional, and check anchors and propulsion systems before departing. In an emergency, the Coastguard can be contacted via 999 or VHF Channel 16.
The prompt co‑ordination between volunteer lifeboat crews and Coastguard units continues to be central to maritime safety around Anglesey.
