New recruits in at the deep end It was Gary Roberts' first ever lifeboat service and Dwynwen Parry was only nine months into her probationary period, but under the wing of Helmsman David Jones, they helped to save a family of four from danger - resulting in Letters of Appreciation from the RNLI's Chief of Operations.

At 1610 on 27 May, Moelfre lifeboat was informed by coastguards that a small speedboat was sinking in Llaneilan Bay and that both station lifeboats would be needed to assist.

Closely followed by the station's Tyne class lifeboat Robert and Violet, Moelfre's D class Kingsand launched with 20 year old David Jones at the helm together with new recruits Gary Roberts and Dwynwen Parry.

A few minutes later, the crews were informed that the speedboat had sunk and that people were in the water so the D class pulled ahead of the all-weather boat and made good speed despite the Force 6 winds.

Arriving on scene at 1620, the inshore crew could see casualties clinging to rocks at the edge of the bay. The family of four had been in the water for ten minutes and, although well equipped with wetsuits and hfejackets, were exhausted, frightened and incapable of climbing the cliff where they were stranded.

Helmsman Jones took the D class into the cliffs where the relieved casualties were promptly brought aboard. Then, returning to the speedboat, the inshore crew managed to attached a line to her. The all-weather lifeboat was now able to raise the casualty boat on her capstan and tow her back towards the beach.

The family, a husband, wife and two young children, were later landed safely at Llaneilan Bay.

For their sterling efforts, ail three members of the inshore crew received a Letter of Appreciation from the RNLI's Chief of Operations. In his letter to Helmsman Jones, Mike Vlasto said, 'This was an effective rescue involving a fast passage in rough seas. You exhibited sound seamanship throughout the service and led your relatively inexperienced crew well. Very well done indeed!'.