The Moelfre all-weather RNLI lifeboat was called into action on Saturday (24 October) following reports that kayakers had capsized in very rough seas and gale force winds.
The call-out came as the volunteer RNLI crew were paying tribute to the 479 people who lost their lives when the Royal Charter was wrecked by a severe storm off Moelfre 150 years ago.
The call for help came just after RNLI Operations Director Michael Vlasto had unveiled Bronze panels depicting the famous Royal Charter incident created by sculptor Sam Holland.
Dave Massey, RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer for Moelfre says:
‘The Moelfre RNLI lifeboat Robert and Violet launched at 1.20pm to reports of two people in the sea off Llandonna, they had been on their kayak when the very rough sea and gale force winds overpowered them, causing the kayak to capsize and throw them into the sea. The wind picked up to south-westerly gale force 9 (over 50mph) with very rough seas.
‘Within five minutes of the Moelfre RNLI lifeboat launching and proceeding to the location, the RNLI received a radio message from the Holyhead Coastguard that thankfully they had managed to get safely ashore by themselves. The volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew could stand down and return to station.’
Photograph by RNLI
