Angle RNLI volunteers were at sea for nearly ten hours yesterday (Wednesday), after the station’s lifeboat was launched to assist a yacht with engine problems 45 miles out to sea.

The 40 foot Cornish lugger was en route between Cornwall and Waterford in Ireland when it experienced engine failure. The crew were unable to hoist the sails due to wind damage. Two of the crew had earlier been airlifted to hospital by a rescue helicopter and the four onboard were all suffering from sea sickness along with fatigue.

RNLI volunteers launched the all-weather lifeboat at 2.19pm and started the journey 45 miles south-south-west of St Ann’s Head.

The lifeboat crew arrived on scene at 4.36pm, a tow line was passed over to the lifeboat and a tow was rigged. A course was quickly set and the lifeboat crew started the long journey back to Milford Haven.

After six long hours both boats arrived safely at Milford Haven Docks. The boat was safely placed on the holding pontoon ready to be taken into the marina.

After ensuring the yacht was securely set on the pontoon, Angle RNLI lifeboat crew made their way back to station. At 12.20am – nearly ten hours after launching. The all-weather lifeboat was re-housed and the tired lifeboat crew made their way home to bed.