A TEAM of nine volunteers rescued a stricken yacht off the coast of Piel Island after a rescue was requested by the HM Coastguard, in Holyhead on Saturday.

Barrow Lifeboat Station (BLS) launched the inshore lifeboat Vision of Tamworth at 8.30pm with the all-weather lifeboat Grace Dixon launched 10 minutes later under the command of Coxswain, Shaun Charnley, assisted by five crew.

Both lifeboats proceeded towards the stricken vessel, which was located at Seldom Seen.

BLS station manager John Falvey, said: "The rescue operation was a difficult one.

"This was due to the tide being out at the time, which caused a low water level."

As a result, the Grace Dixon had to stand off the casualty vessel, while the Vision of Tamworth transferred two lifeboat crew to the yacht in order to secure a line and prepare to tow it clear.

"The yacht came from the direction of Preston, but the strong winds during the evening had pushed it to run aground," said Mr Falvey.

"The sea was rough at the time and it seems the yachtsman had underestimated the strong conditions.

"Personally, I wouldn't have gone out to sea in conditions like that."

The team confirmed the man was not injured during the incident.

Once the incoming tide had allowed the yacht to re-float, it was able to be towed back towards the lifeboat station where it was secured safely to a mooring for the night.

Mr Falvey said: "The conditions would have been difficult for even experienced sailors.

"My advice would be for people who want to sail in these conditions to inform someone they are going out on the water, have adequate life-saving equipment at hand, and most importantly, plan their trip well."

Chris Clouter, volunteer at the station, said: "After this incident, I think it's important to talk about the RNLI's Respect the Water campaign, which was launched recently.

"Sailors need to be aware of the water and how conditions can turn very quickly.

"The operation on Saturday was difficult because the tide was out, causing low water.

"Compared to other areas around the UK, the channel next to Barrow and Walney can be home with very strong winds and difficult conditions to sail on."

The lifeboats returned to the boathouse at 11pm to be cleaned and made ready for the next launch.

The wind at the time of the incident was south-westerly, Force 5-6, and the next high tide was at 1.30am.