Abersoch rescue launched after yacht gets stuck on rocks

Lifeguards have warned people to check the weather and tides before heading out to sea after a 39ft (12m) yacht ran aground on rocks off the Welsh coast.

The vessel, on its way from Aberystwyth to Pwllheli, was left “high and dry on the rocks” on Monday, Abersoch RNLI said.

The boat had run aground at nearby Carreg y Trai off the Gwynedd coast and because of low tide, it was impossible to move it when rescue crews arrived.

Two people on board and their dog were taken on to the lifeboat “unharmed but somewhat shaken”.

The lifeboat crew checked the yacht over and it appeared to be watertight, the RNLI said.

The volunteers took the pair back to the lifeboat station where arrangements were made with the harbourmaster to return them back out to the yacht later in the evening, it added.

The yacht re-floated on the next high tide.

Martin Turtle, Abersoch RNLI volunteer, said they made it clear that if the two had any concerns when they returned to their vessel, they should contact the coastguard again.

“Before you go afloat always check the weather and tide times, plan your passage and check the relevant nautical charts for the area in detail,” he added.