The crew of a Pembrokeshire lifeboat came to the aid of a 38ft yacht yesterday, with the rescue taking place over a course of nine hours, into the early hours of today (April 8).

St Davids RNLI all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley was tasked at 4.16pm on Monday, April 7 to assist the 38ft yacht suffering from mechanical failure 30 nautical miles offshore.

The solo crewed vessel was north west of the Smalls lighthouse traffic separation scheme and unable to make its own way.

Given the proximity to the busy shipping lanes, its limited speed though the water and favourable sea conditions, the coxswain decided the best course of action to assist the sailor was to tow the yacht to Milford Haven where the yacht could be repaired.

the coxswain decided the best course of action to assist the sailor was to tow the yacht to Milford Haven where the yacht could be repaired.
The coxswain decided the best course of action to assist the sailor was to tow the yacht to Milford Haven where the yacht could be repaired. (St Davids RNLI)

Towing began shortly after 5.30pm and the yacht was bought safely through the lock gates of Milford marina at around midnight.

Whilst at the marina, the crew enjoyed take away food kindly supplied by RNLI volunteers before commencing the one hour passage back to St Justinians where the lifeboat was rehoused at 1.15am, almost nine hours after launching.