Rescuers find 'lost' speed boat

Three lifeboats were called out and four coastguard rescue teams

A speed boat driver who got lost in poor visibility off Gwynedd has been rescued after a search involving three RNLI lifeboats.

The man set off from Pwllheli heading west to Abersoch, but with no charts, compass or emergency flares.

He was eventually located 21 miles to the south east of Pwllheli, off Duffryn Beach, and was escorted back to shore.

Holyhead Coastguards alerted Criccieth, Pwllheli and Abersoch lifeboats as well as four coastguard land-based teams.

They were told about an hour after the man put out to sea in his 18ft (5.5m) vessel that he had become lost and disorientated.

Coastguards were at first unable to contact him by VHF radio because the radio on the speed boat had low batteries.

Some "patchy" contact was made through a mobile phone, but this was unreliable.

'Suitably equipped'

The lifeboats scoured Tremadoc Bay while coastguard rescue teams from Aberdaron, Abersoch, Criccieth and Harlech began a 40-mile coastal search.

The man, who was on his own, was eventually located and guided back to Pwllheli.

Barry Priddis, Holyhead Coastguard Watch Manager, said: "This incident highlights the need for boat users to ensure they are well prepared before going to sea.

"Ensure your vessel is suitably equipped including a VHF radio with fully charged batteries, maritime charts for the area, a compass and emergency alerting flares in case you get into difficulty."