Dramatic Rescue Off Walney Island as Capsized Trimaran's Crew Saved at Last Minute
Two sailors wearing life jackets were plucked from the bow of their sinking 26ft trimaran this morning off Walney Island. The vessel started taking on water around 9.50am on 21 June, quickly capsizing and leaving the crew stranded on its hull.
Mayday Call Sparks Fast Response
The pair managed to send out a Mayday using VHF radio and a 999 emergency call, quickly picked up by HM Coastguard teams in Holyhead and Belfast. As the trimaran capsized in rough seas, the men clung desperately onto the bow.
A swift rescue operation was launched. Caernarfon’s Coastguard helicopter, Barrow RNLI all-weather lifeboat, and Walney Island Coastguard Rescue Team sprang into action. Crucially, a Wind Farm support vessel on nearby waters responded to a Coastguard broadcast and reached the sailors just in time.
Heroic Wind Farm Crew Pluck Men From Water
The support vessel crew hauled the men aboard safely, steadying them until the helicopter arrived. Due to choppy conditions, the Coastguard winched the men on board and flew them to shore, where medics confirmed they were well and in good spirits after their ordeal.
Steve Thomas, Coastguard Winchman, praised the rescue: “The Wind Farm crew did an incredible job, making the men comfortable and assisting with the hi-line winch. Their professionalism saved valuable time and undoubtedly saved lives.”
Coastguard Urges Boaters: Be Prepared, Stay Safe
HM Coastguard Senior Maritime Operations Officer Robert Bowyer warned:
“This incident unfolded rapidly. Thankfully, the crew were wearing lifejackets and managed to send a Mayday. Always have a way to alert the Coastguard before things get worse—don’t wait for conditions to improve.”
The Coastguard advises all seafarers to carry:
- EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radio
- Fully charged mobile phone
- Flares and powerful torch
- Personal flotation devices (lifejackets or buoyancy aids)
Channel 16 on VHF radio is the key lifeline for emergency calls, offering better coverage than mobile phones at sea. If your mobile signal is patchy, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard immediately.
Coastguard also encourages vessels to do radio checks before heading out and to make sure everyone on board understands the safety plan.
Investigations Underway
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), the Receiver of Wreck, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s pollution team have been notified as the rescue sparks a review of events.
Thanks to quick thinking, lifejackets, and a nearby vessel on the ball, two lives were saved from a watery disaster off Walney Island this morning.
