Canoes caught out WHILE ON EXERCISE, on Saturday May 15, Beaumaris ILB Blue Peter II learned, at 1350, that a group of 20 canoeists from the Nelson Outdoor Pursuit Centre at Llanfair were out in the Menai Straits opposite Moel-y-Don and had been overtaken by bad weather. Eight canoes had capsized. A safety boat was in attendance but could not fully deal with the situation. A rescue helicopter from RAF Valley had been alerted.

There was a south-westerly gale blowing. The tide was running against the wind, resulting in steep, 6' waves with breaking crests. Visibility was moderate and it was raining.

Three canoeists were picked up and taken on board the ILB and one of the capsized canoes was taken in tow to Port Dinorwic where the survivors were landed.

The ILB returned to the scene and continued to search, when it was learned that another survivor had been rescued by a local boat. The remaining canoes had been lashed together to form rafts and had made their way ashore.

The ILB eventually returned to her station and was re-housed at 1830.

A donation to branch funds was received from the Nelson Outdoor Pursuit Centre..