A heroic rescue was carried out by Tenby RNLI’s lifeboat crew after a yachtsman found himself in perilous conditions 15 miles south-east of the seaside town.

The all-weather lifeboat was launched into rough seas shortly after 8.30am on Saturday, September 6, after the Coastguard received a call from a lone yachtsman some 15 miles south-east of Tenby, stating he'd lost his jib and was in difficulty in strong winds and high seas.

The volunteer crew made best speed to the area, arriving on scene around 20 minutes later.

After speaking to the occupant of the yacht and due to the rough conditions off Tenby meaning that finding a safe anchoring spot for the yacht would be difficult, a decision was made to tow the vessel to Milford Haven marina.

With a lifeboat crew member now aboard the yacht to assist its skipper, the vessel was taken in tow towards Milford Haven.

More than six hours after launching, the lifeboat finally had the casualty vessel safely alongside in Milford Haven. However, with the conditions back in Tenby meaning the lifeboat would not be able to be put back on the slipway and with nowhere sheltered to sit out the swell, it was decided to leave the lifeboat in Milford until conditions would allow it to be rehoused safely at Tenby.

Many thanks goes to Tŷ Milford Waterfront for providing refreshments for the crew following their six hour tow in very difficult conditions, it was very much appreciated.

Later the same day, Tenby’s inshore lifeboat was requested to launch at 6pm, after the Coastguard received a call from a member of the public reporting that five people looked to be cut off by the tide at Lydstep Point - but it transpired that they were just fishing and were in no danger, so the lifeboat stood down.