Two Rescued After Vessel Dashed Against Rocks

Friday, October 23, 2009
Posted 13:42 GMT

At just after 11.00 am this morning Holyhead Coastguard were alerted by a mobile phone call from the skipper of a small 27 foot red hulled commercial motor vessel called Jean M that was being dashed against the rocks at Rhoscolyn Bay after the vessel suffered engine failure. The skipper and his colleague were at the time standing on rocks on the small island of Ynys Traws.

Two people who had been on board had no time to don lifejackets, nor did they have time to make an emergency radio call.

The weather on scene is south westerly force 4 with white horses. The sea is on the flood tide.

The Rhoscolyn Coastguard Rescue Team were immediately turned out and the Trearddur Bay all weather and inshore lifeboats were requested to launch. One people were landed to Borth Wen beach. No injuries were sustained.

The vessel is reported to have had 70 gallons of diesel fuel on board plus 3 or 4, 5 gallon drums and any leaking diesel fuel is now being taken towards the headland. Three drums have also been recovered from the vessel. The Agencys Counter Pollution team were duly alerted, although given the strength of the seas any spilt fuel is likely to be dissipated very quickly.

The wrecked vessel has now sunk in about 25 foot of water and it presently does not constitute a threat to other passing vessels, although debris has begun to surface.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has also been alerted.

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401