IN the early hours of Wednesday (Aug 7) both of Tenby’s lifeboats were urgently deployed following a distress call from an 8-metre sailing catamaran off Lydstep. The Mayday, received shortly after 1am, indicated that the vessel was taking on water and required immediate assistance.

The dedicated volunteer crew promptly launched and navigated swiftly to the scene, approximately four miles west of Tenby. Upon arrival, they found the casualty vessel perilously close to running aground, being battered by a small swell on the outgoing tide. The inshore lifeboat crew quickly went ashore to assess the situation, determining that further help was needed. Consequently, the Y-boat was deployed from the Haydn Miller lifeboat with two additional crew members on board.

Members of HM Coastguard Tenby also arrived to assist. It was discovered that the catamaran had sustained a hull breach after grounding, with the skipper attempting makeshift repairs. The lifeboat teams worked diligently to ensure the vessel remained seaworthy, re-setting the anchor while awaiting the incoming tide to refloat the boat.

Once there was enough water beneath the hull, the lifeboat crew inspected the emergency repairs, confirming that the catamaran was no longer taking on water. Satisfied with the vessel’s condition, two crew members stayed aboard with the skipper as they navigated back to Tenby, escorted by both lifeboats. The other occupant of the vessel was safely returned to Tenby by the Coastguard rescue team.

On reaching Tenby, the damaged vessel was secured to an outer mooring, with the skipper planning to move into the harbour once the tide permitted. The lifeboats returned to their station, concluding the operation at 5.45am.

(Pic: Tenby RNLI)