A GROUP of fishermen trip had to be cut loose after their boat became entangled in rope two miles from shore.

Rhyl RNLI crew members had an early start on Sunday, July 14 when they were called to help the five strong group at 9am.

The vessel had left Rhyl harbour for a fishing trip, when the out-drive of the boat became entangled with the buoys and rope from a set of Whelk pots and the skipper was forced to radio the duty watch at Holyhead.

Coxswain Martin Jones said: "This was a relatively straightforward service, and we were able to free the vessel quite quickly. All the casualty crew were very well equipped with lifejackets and means of calling for assistance'.

Rhyl Journal:

The Rhyl all-weather lifeboat approaches the casualty. Picture: RNLI/ Paul Frost MBE

Due to number of people on the fishing trip, the All-weather lifeboat from Rhyl was launched and was under way about 15 minutes after receiving the call, and alongside the vessel in 10 minutes after homing in on the skipper's radio.

By attaching himself to the boat's rails, an RNLI crew member was able to lean over the stern of the vessel, and was able to free the propeller by hand, while one crew member had to be transferred to the casualty vessel.

Once the casualty boat was free, the skipper was able to re-start his engine, and motor back to Rhyl harbour, escorted by the lifeboat, and the boat was recovered by Rhyl harbour master into the harbour compound.

The lifeboat returned to station at 11.15am.