A 19 metre long wind farm support vessel with four people on board on fire off the Pembrokeshire coast, saw an early hours Mayday call for RNLI lifeboat volunteers who raced to its rescue.

With the vessel 12 miles north west of St Davids head, St Davids RNLI volunteers launched all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley into darkness shortly before 6am on Sunday, January 19, and, once on the scene, established the fire was under control.

The engines were not impacted by the fire but with concerns that the fire might restart, the lifeboat escorted the boat into Fishguard harbour. Awaiting arrival at the harbour were Mid and West Wales fire officers who boarded the vessel to ensure safety.

Once the vessel was secure, St Davids lifeboat was stood down at 9.40am.

The engines were not impacted by the fire but with concerns that the fire might restart, the lifeboat escorted the boat into Fishguard harbour.
The engines were not impacted by the fire but with concerns that the fire might restart, the lifeboat escorted the boat into Fishguard harbour. (St Davids RNLI)

Jane Palin, Duty Launch Authority for St Davids RNLI lifeboat, said: “Thankfully the vessels crew managed to contain the fire before our arrival and all persons on board were safe.

“Escorting the vessel to the safety of Fishguard harbour gave the crew of both boats peace of mind.

“This was the fourth call out for the station in five days and demonstrates the commitment of our volunteers, whatever the time of year.”