Nine hour yacht rescue for St Davids RNLI

The solo crewed vessel was north west of the Smalls lighthouse traffic separation scheme and unable to make its own way. Given the proximity to the busy shipping lanes, its limited speed though the water and favourable sea conditions, the coxswain decided the best course of action to assist the sailor was to tow the yacht to Milford Haven where the yacht could be repaired.

Towing began shortly after 5.30pm and the yacht was bought safely through the lock gates of Milford marina at around midnight.

Whilst at the marina, the crew enjoyed take away food kindly supplied by RNLI volunteers before commencing the one hour passage back to St Justinians where the lifeboat was rehoused at 1:15am, almost nine hours after launching.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Simone Eade, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 804 922 or [email protected] or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.