Two yachts were towed to safety by RNLI Angle’s all-weather lifeboat in separate call-outs on Saturday (30 July).
The Tamar class lifeboat Mark Mason launched initially to fly the flag for the RNLI at Neyland Yacht Club’s regatta.
But, while en route to Neyland, the lifeboat was requested by Milford Haven Coastguard to assist an 11m yacht just off Linney Head.
The yacht had fouled her rudder on a rope and, on reaching the scene, the lifeboat passed a line to the vessel, which was towed to Neyland Marina – passing the yacht club and its ongoing regatta.
Once the yacht was safely in the marina, the lifeboat moored up on the pontoon near the yacht club and some of the lifeboat’s volunteer crew went ashore for refreshments. Before they were able to sample the barbecue, however, another call came in from Milford Haven Coastguard and they all headed back to the lifeboat at running pace!
The Coastguard reported that an emergency message had been received that a vessel was taking on water one mile south of Skokholm Island, but nothing had been heard since. An all ships message was put out while the lifeboat made her way to the casualty’s last known position. Other vessels in the vicinity assisted by searching the area.
Once on scene, the lifeboat located the vessel, an 8m yacht. A lifeboat crew member was transferred to the yacht, along with the salvage pump, and a tow was established to Angle.
There, the vessel was able to lean against the wall below The Old Point House for the damage to be assessed as the yacht dried out. A bung from RNLI Angle’s inshore lifeboat kit stemmed the leak enough for the casualty to refloat in the morning and continue on her way.
