A FAMILY from Rhos on Sea who were plucked to safety after their yacht went up in flames have thanked everyone who came to their aid.

The family were travelling with a flotilla of other vessels from the North Wales Cruising Club when their recently restored yacht went up in flames on Saturday, April 3.

A multi-agency rescue took place off Conwy Quay.

Now the family are encouraging others to make safety a priority when using the sea and want to thank everyone who responded when the Mayday call was issued.

The skipper, who wishes to remain anonymous said: "We couldn't have been more prepared for this trip. The yacht was our prized possession having been lovingly restored and very well equipped. We have drills, safety briefings and never ever expected anything like this to happen. Luckily we all knew exactly what to do.

"It doesn't bear thinking about what could have happened if we'd not been so prepared. We were all astounded at how quickly the fire took hold and I'm sure seeing this has shaken up the local sailing community. You just don't expect this to happen, so I'd urge anyone thinking of heading out to sea to prepare for every eventuality."

Conwy RNLI volunteer crew were paged at 1.37pm to launch and assist the yacht.

Conwy inshore RNLI lifeboat stood by, monitored the situation and updated UK Coastguard with developments.

Multiple agencies offered assistance including the HM Coastguard, Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team, North Wales Police and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The skipper added: "Everything happened so quickly, our attempts to extinguish the flames were futile but we were quickly taken to safety and just had to watch as our dream project went up in smoke.

"We had spent every weekend making sure the boat was maintained and prepared and although it's very sad, we're still here and that's the most important thing.

"Everyone who attended and helped out was magnificent and without them the outcome come have been quite different."