Yachts on a lee shore A YACHT, Westralia, dragging her anchor in Forth Wen Bay and in danger of going on to rocks was reported to the honorary secretary of Moelfre lifeboat station by Cemaes Bay Coastguard at 2009 on August 30, 1975. Maroons were fired and at 2022 Watkin Williams, Moelfre's 42'Watson lifeboat, launched on service.

The wind was north north west force 6 to 7, sea rough with a heavy northwest swell: the state of tide was 4 hours ebb.

Coxswain William Roberts steered a course to a position half a mile north east of Lynas Point and thence to Forth Wen Bay, a total distance of 9 miles.

While on passage information was received that two yachts were in difficulties and that a helicopter from RAF Valley was on her way. She arrived at about 2050 and then stood by, as the crews of the yachts had decided to await the arrival of the lifeboat rather than be lifted into the helicopter.

On arrival at Forth Wen Bay, at 2130, the lifeboat found both yachts on the western side of the bay: Westralia, having parted her anchor cable, was hove to under power, pitching and rolling heavily about 1 cable from the rocky shore; while the other yacht, Heracles, was anchored with full scope of cable (120') out, pitching heavily in heavy surf about 50' from the shore.

The wind was now northerly force 6 to 7, gusting 8 in squalls, with a very rough sea and northerly swell.It was obvious to Coxswain Roberts that Heracles was in the greater danger, and a first approach, to assess the situation, was made with the lifeboat's bow towards the yacht. In view of the very rough seas and very heavy swell, together with the awkward and dangerous position of the yacht, Coxswain Roberts decided it would be necessary to veer down on her and tow her out into deeper water.

First he manoeuvred the lifeboat stern first seaward to gain sea room. He then anchored, and using helm and engines together with the advantage of sea and wind brought her head to sea. She was then veered down to Heracles so that a heaving line and towing line could be passed, but, within a boat's length of the yacht, a large sea and swell hit the lifeboat, broaching her starboard side to and dragging the anchor. However, she was now abeam of the yacht and a towline was passed and made fast. With extreme difficulty the lifeboat was manoeuvred head to sea again, anchor weighed, the cable of the yacht slipped and the tow begun at 2205. The operation had taken 35 minutes.

With Heracles in tow it was agreed between Coxswain Roberts and the skipper of Westralia, still hove to, that Westralia should be escorted under her own power to Moelfre Bay in company with the tow.

On arrival in the comparative shelter of Moelfre Bay two lifeboat crew members were put aboard each of the yachts to secure them to buoys. The crew of Westralia stayed aboard their yacht while the crew of Heracles were landed at 0110. The honorary medical adviser, Dr Parry Jones, was waiting to attend them and they were taken to Bangor Hospital where they remained overnight.

For this service the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum were accorded to Coxswain William Roberts.

Vellum service certificates were presented to Second Coxswain David Owen, Motor Mechanic Evan Jones, Acting Assistant Mechanic Eifion Jones and Crew Members William Rowlands, Dewi Parry and Kenneth Roberts..