By Judith Phillips, Reporter
EVERY now and again stories crop up which make you aware of the selflessness of volunteers who give up their time freely to help others and sometimes put their lives at risk in the process.
This week the brave members of Llandudno's lifeboat crew have put to sea in appalling conditions twice in two days to save a total of five people whose lives were at risk when their vessels experienced problems in dangerously rough seas.
On the first occasion on Monday the all weather lifeboat Andy Pearce was at sea for a total of 10 hours after an historic wooden hulled former fishing boat with three men on board got into trouble near the Rhyl Flats wind farm site. The lifeboat battled against 12ft high waves to tow the vessel safely into the Conwy estuary.
Less than 24 hours later the Andy Pearce was launched again, this time to go to the aid of a terrified husband and wife whose yacht was floundering helplessly, pounded by huge waves in a force eight storm 30 miles out into the Irish Sea.
A rope attached to marker buoys was entangled with the vessel's propellor and steering gear. Without a thought for his own safety RNLI crewmember Tim James was lowered into the sea at the yacht's stern and attached to a safety harness, and spent one a half hours in the icy sea trying to cut the rope free.
At times he was completely submerged by the waves and all the time he was at risk of the yacht crashing down on him, with possibly fatal consequences.
Meanwhile the lifeboat crew under the command of deputy second coxswain Graham Heritage kept the lifeboat close by ready to swoop to his assistance if needed.
It was a rescue operation to match any in the annals of the long and illustrious career of Llandudno lifeboat station and left me in awe of the courage and determination of these brave men who were at sea for 12 hours until finally the yacht was escorted to its mooring at Conwy marina.
The RNLI say their names will be put forward for awards, and quite right too. Such heroism and devotion to other human beings makes a welcome contrast to the tales of wanton vandalism and violence which often make up our daily fare.
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