Two lifeboats were launched within nine hours to rescue boats off the Pembrokeshire coast on Wednesday, January 15.
One of the launches occurred at 9.15pm when Angle RNLI assisted a 25-meter commercial landing craft with eight people onboard which was taking water in St Brides Bay.
The boat was towed following a grounding and salvage operation.
Lifeboats towed the vessels that were struggling. (Image: Angle Lifeboat RNLI) Angle Lifeboat RNLI posted on Facebook: “St David’s All-Weather Lifeboat were on scene with their salvage pump having already been transferred onboard, and Little Haven Inshore Lifeboat had also attended during the evening.
“Angle Lifeboat made best speed to the area and arrived on scene 30 minutes later and soon had their salvage pump transferred onto the casualty vessel to assist with keeping the water ingress at bay.
“Both lifeboats began to escort the tow but whilst west of Skomer Island, however a change of plan, and in light of the vessel still taking water a plan was made to alter course and proceed to Broad Haven Beach with a view to beach the vessel to prevent it sinking.
“The lifeboats then spent the next few hours escorting the tow and providing safety cover. Upon arrival off Broad Haven, and with the tidal state not right to beach the vessel the lifeboats stood by whilst pumping efforts continued.”
At 3.15am, the situation had improved, so St David’s lifeboat was returned to the station and after 4am, Angle Lifeboat was stood down.
There was another lifeboat launch, three hours before at 5.30pm, when the crew were called to help a 10-metre pleasure vessel which had suffered electrical failure off the VPOT oil terminal on the Milford Haven waterway.
Angle Lifeboat RNLI added: “As the crew were already at station preparing to launch on exercise, the crew were soon underway and with the casualty vessel not long after.
“Following a quick assessment the vessel was soon underway and with tow towards Neyland Marina.
“Once off the entrance to the marina, the vessel was transferred into an alongside tow and placed safely alongside a pontoon within the marina.
“With no further assistance required the lifeboat was stood down and the crew returned to their usual Wednesday night exercise.”