Call to Coastguard as three go into water near Menai Bridge

At 1.40pm today Holyhead Coastguard were alerted to an incident unfolding near the Menai Bridge where a small rigid inflatable boat (RIB) had been seen to capsize and that three people were in the water. A further RIB was also nearby.

The three had become separated from the vessel and were being swept towards the bridges.

The Beaumaris RNLI inshore lifeboat was asked to immediately launch. When it arrived it was discovered that the occupants of the second RIB had pulled the three people into their boat and that the upturned RIB was jammed at a navigational marker, known as the Swellie Rock Marker. All those who had gone into the water are now accounted for.

It later transpired the vessels were from Merseyside Fire & Rescue who were training in the area at the TS (Training Ship) Indefatigable. The trapped indefatigable rib was freed by the lifeboat crew and brought to shore.

Barry Priddis at Holyhead Coastguard said,

“We are relieved that everyone was recovered safely. It was mainly due to the diligence and alertness of a member of the public who reported this incident enabling Holyhead Coastguard to quickly launch search and rescue resources to the scene.”

On conditions at the scene Barry said,

“The weather was calm today but there was a very strong Spring ebb tide running and the Swellies is a hazardous area because of these tidal conditions.”

Posted Tuesday January 19^th 2010
By Maritime And Coastguard Agency