Lytham RNLI update after operation launched to rescue unwell yacht skipper travelling from Holyhead to Preston

Two Lytham St Annes RNLI lifeboats were launched after a man sailing his yacht from Holyhead to Preston Dock could not be contacted, prompting concern from his family and HM Coastguard.

Misty conditions off the mouth of the Ribble Estuary added to concerns, with both lifeboats requested by the Coastguard to locate the vessel, investigate the situation and provide assistance if required.

The Lytham St Annes RNLI all-weather Shannon-class lifeboat, Barbara Anne, set out at 11.30am with Coxswain Ben McGarry in command, heading into the Irish Sea to search for the missing yacht.

Meanwhile, Helm Steve Matthews and two crew members headed down the river aboard the station’s inshore lifeboat, MOAM, to join the search. The all-weather lifeboat located the yacht south of the river mouth, where it had been anchored while waiting for the tide.

The skipper had managed to raise the anchor shortly before the lifeboat arrived but was feeling unwell intermittently and was relieved to receive assistance. Coxswain McGarry skilfully brought Barbara Anne alongside the yacht, allowing two lifeboat crew members, Will and James, to transfer aboard.

One crew member helped with the running of the yacht, while the other monitored the skipper’s welfare as the vessel headed towards Lytham, escorted by the all-weather lifeboat. However, part way into the Ribble, the yacht’s engine began cutting out, leaving it at risk of drifting into the stone training walls lining the channel and potentially suffering severe damage.

After assessing the situation, Coxswain McGarry decided that towing the yacht was the safest and quickest way to bring it to safety. The narrow channel, tide and wind direction restricted the use of its sails, while the engine continued to behave erratically.

The inshore lifeboat had returned to its boathouse after the yacht was located. However, as the all-weather lifeboat and its tow approached Church Scar, Lytham, the ILB was relaunched to place another volunteer aboard to provide additional casualty care to the skipper, whose symptoms continued to come and go.

With no suitable mooring available at Lytham, the three vessels had little alternative but to continue towards the safety of Preston Dock. At the entrance to the dock, the inshore lifeboat took over the tow for the final short distance, where marina workers were waiting to assist.

Both RNLI lifeboats then returned to their respective boathouses to be checked over, washed down and refuelled, ensuring they were ready for their next call-out before the volunteer crews could return home.

Coxswain Ben McGarry later said: “With the yacht’s engine cutting out and the skipper feeling unwell at times, the only way was to bring the vessel to safety as soon as possible.

“The main concern was for the man’s welfare.”