ANGLE lifeboat launched on Saturday (Aug 22) to assist a 20-foot yacht with one crewman on board, in a position approximately 32 miles SSW of St Ann’s Head.
The solo sailor, who had been on passage from Azores to Sweden, was 150 miles west of Brest when he ran into Storm Ellen, causing him to be blown off course.
During the storm he suffered damage to his sails and some electronic equipment, making entry into Milford Haven unaided extremely difficult.
Due to his position, his pan-pan broadcast was relayed to the UK Coastguard by nearby shipping, who also monitored his progress until the arrival of the lifeboat.
The lifeboat launched at 12:15pm and was soon heading into a SW Gale 8 with 4 metre seas.
At 2pm the lifeboat intercepted the sailor, which was now approximately 25 miles SW of St Ann’s Head. After discussing options with the sailor, it was decided the safest option would be
to provide a tow into Milford Haven.
Once at the entrance to Milford Docks, the tow was released and the lifeboat escorted the sailor into the safety of the marina, where he berthed alongside a pontoon at 7:50pm.
The lifeboat returned to the mooring at 8:10pm, after 8 hours at sea.
