A LIFEBOAT crew spent almost four hours at sea attempting to rescue people from a yacht which got into difficulty near Penarth.

A routine tow request developed into a challenging rescue on Wednesday (August 1) with three lifeboats being tasked to the scene by the UK Coastguard.

The exact position of the stricken vessel was initially unknown but thought to be somewhere between Penarth Pier and Sully Island. Penarth RNLI's Atlantic Class lifeboat quickly located an 18ft yacht with two people on board just beyond Lavernock Point. The station's D class lifeboat also launched to provide much needed support and assistance to the rescue.

The vessel had lost power and was in very challenging weather and tidal conditions. A crew member was transferred onto the vessel and a tow commenced, but towing was difficult as wind was force five, with the seas steep and choppy and a two metre swell. Because of this Penarth RNLI requested further assistance from colleagues at Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station.

The two people on board the yacht were very anxious and unwell and the decision was made to transfer them onto Barry Dock's all-weather lifeboat. The casualties were taken to Barry Dock where they were given first aid and they were soon well enough to return to Cardiff Bay by land.

Penarth's D class lifeboat then returned to station and the Atlantic class inshore lifeboat completed the tow, taking the yacht to the safety of Cardiff Bay where it was met by Penarth Coastguard Rescue Team officers.

Jason Dunlop, Penarth RNLI lifeboat operations manager, said: "This was a difficult shout - almost four hours at sea - but one which we prepare for and which demonstrated great team working and our commitment to saving lives at sea."