Yacht washes up on North Wales beach with nobody on board
A mystery yacht washed up on a North Wales beach sent locals scurrying to read up on salvage law. The vessel, a 21ft Hunter Horizon, was found marooned on the shoreline at Pensarn, Conwy.
It was still there at the weekend, having been stranded on the beach for several days, resting on its keel. Checks found no one on board and the sailing yacht was reported as being empty.
When photos of the boat were shared on social media, users wondered if it had been abandoned, wrecked or had simply drifted after losing its moorings. “Just a bit of flotsam and jetsam,” said one man. “Finders keepers!”
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A Rhyl pensioner recalled how he once claimed salvage on a boat that had broken free of its mooring in the Conwy estuary and drifted along the North Wales coast. After towing it to Rhos on Sea harbour, then back to Conwy, he was rewarded by the boat’s owners. He said: “The owners were grateful because it was not insured. They gave me £500 on a boat worth just over £5,000.”
To claim salvage, either life or property must be successfully saved, or oil spills prevented. However material found in the sea or washed ashore must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck within 28 days – failure to do so can result in a fine of £2,500 and loss of salvage rights.
At Pensarn, the Rhyl Coastguard Rescue Team pointed out the Horizon yacht at Pensarn was not in peril. “We are aware of this vessel,” wrote the team online. “The owner is also aware and is making arrangements for recovery/refloating.” Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
By Sunday, the boat had yet to be refloated. At low tide, it was high and dry on the beach beyond the surfline. “I hope they get it back soon and there’s not any damage to the boat,” said one woman.
Last week a sheltering yacht was left grounded on Traeth Lligwy, Anglesey, after its anchor dragged. Passersby waded through surf to retrieve a “distressed” woman and bring her ashore, another person stayed on board to secure the vessel and its belongings.
The Rhyl Coastguard Rescue Team had been seeking volunteer recruits but it has closed the application window early following a surge of interest. Applications are still being invited for neighbouring teams, including one based in Flint. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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