THREE LIFE-BOATS SEARCH FOR PILOT VESSEL Hoylake, Cheshire. At 5.31 on the afternoon of the 10th April, 1963, the coastguard informed the motor mechanic that the Rhyl life-boat had launched to search for the Mostyn pilot vessel, which was adrift in the Dee estuary with engine trouble, and that her coxswain had asked for the help of the Hoylake life-boat.

At 6.8 the life-boat Oldham IV was launched in a light north-westerly breeze and a calm sea. Visibility was poor and it was one hour before low water.

After an extensive search a flare was sighted 800 yards south of Welshman's Gut buoy, and on investigation it was found to have been fired from the missing pilot vessel. Her engine had broken down and her crew of two were without an anchor. The pilot vessel was taken in tow to Mostyn harbour, which was reached at 12.5. The life-boat then returned to her station, arriving at 1.35.

The Llandudno life-boat was also launched..