Sails jammed A MAYDAY MESSAGE from the yacht, Nell Gwyn, in distress off Amlwch, was received by Holyhead coastguard on the morning of Monday October 8, 1984.

At 1127 Moelfre's lifeboat, the 37ft 6in Rother class, Horace Clarkson, was launched with Coxswain William Roberts in command.

Visibility was good, but there was a strong breeze, force 6, to near gale,force 7, blowing and there was heavy sea and swell. The lifeboat made for the casualty's reported position and at 1210, having located the yacht, came alongside.

On board there was a husband and wife, the man had suspected heart trouble with pains across his chest and arms and his wife was in a state of shock.

The yacht's sails had jammed and there was a rope round her propeller.

Despite the heavy seas, lifeboat crewmember Elfed Jones managed to board Nell Gwyn and take down the sails. A tow rope was then attached and she was towed to Amlwch where, at 1249, the survivors were taken to hospital for a check-up. The lifeboat returned to Moelfre and was refuelled, rehoused and ready once more for service at 1445..