23-05-2025
Angle lifeboat called to three rescues in 12 hours
Angle lifeboat was first tasked at 8:59am on Monday, May 19, following a call for assistance from a 37-foot yacht with one person onboard, struggling with the sea conditions 17 miles off St Ann's Head.
The lifeboat launched shortly after and began making best speed to the vessel, arriving on scene around 40 minutes later. After a quick assessment of the situation the safest option was to rig a tow and take the vessel to safety.
The crew rigged and passed a tow and a course was set for Dale. After a successful tow lasting just over two hours, both vessels arrived safely off Dale. With the skipper content that he could motor to a safe anchorage under his own power, the tow was dropped.
With no further assistance required, the crew was stood down and returned to station where the lifeboat was readied for further service by 1pm.
The second call of the day came at 8:12pm when the crew were tasked to assist a 21 foot open boat with two crew onboard that had run out of fuel near the mid channel pole at the entrance to the Milford Haven Waterway.
With a tanker inbound to the Haven and with no means of propulsion there was concern for the safety of the vessel's occupants.
The lifeboat launched and was on scene with the vessel around 10 minutes later. After a brief assessment of the situation the safest course of action was to take the vessel under tow to Neyland.
During the tow, just past Milford Haven, the lifeboat was immediately re-tasked to respond to a distress signal from a yacht 22 miles south south east of St Ann's Head.
The left their current casualty vessel on the nearest available mooring and began making best speed to the distress position.
Tenby All Weather Lifeboat and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R187 were also proceeding, and 45 minutes later Angle Lifeboat acquired a radar target, before gaining visual of what they believed to be the casualty vessel.
Once alongside the vessel, the crew found the yacht's skipper safe and well and it transpired that he had become disoriented and activated his DSC. With this, Tenby Lifeboat and R187 were stood down to return to their respective stations.
Following an assessment of the situation the safest course of action was to take the casualty vessel under tow and return them to the safety of Milford Marina.
The lifeboat and casualty yacht arrived at Milford Marina at 3am and left the yacht and its lone occupant safely alongside.
The crew were then stood down and returned to station where the lifeboat was readied for further service by 3:30am.
