Tenby RNLI Tamar class lifeboat was launched at 11:04pm last night after the Coastguard reported a mayday call from a sinking 30 foot fast fishing boat.
The Lady Jean, with five people on board, was on charter from Swansea marina when she got into difficulties 6 miles south of Penmaen Sands. The fast fishing boat was only 3 weeks old.
A flare was fired to help the RNLI lifeboat and its volunteer crew to locate the sinking vessel.
When the volunteer lifeboat crew arrived at the scene the skipper and four passengers were standing on the tip of the bow, as the rest of the vessel was underwater. As the RNLI crew helped the casualties on board the Tamar class lifeboat, the Lady Jean sank further underwater.
The RNLI lifeboat returned to the boathouse at around 1am, and after they all had a hot drink to warm up the casualties were taken back to Swansea.
Bob James, Tenby Lifeboat Press Officer said:
‘The quick turn out of the voluntary crew members last night undoubtedly saved their lives.’
