A late night rescue swung into operation after reports of a sinking boat in the Bristol Channel.
Crews from Weston RNLI, Portishead RNLI, Barry Dock RNLU and the coastguard helicopter were called at just before 11pm yesterday (October 14) to reports of a yacht taking on water three miles off Sand Point.
On arrival salvage pumps were transferred onto the boat, which had two people on board, to start pumping out the water which was already 25 centimetres deep.
The boat was then towed to safety at Barry Dock.
Checks on the yacht revealed that a broken engine water inlet hose was likely to have caused the water to seep in.
A spokesman for Weston RNLI said: “The Weston crew were launched on service at 22:55hrs last night to reports of a yacht taking on water three miles off Sand Point.
“The D class lifeboat, The Adrian Beaumont, was immediately launched by the volunteers and made best speed to the casualty vessel.
“On arrival at the scene, salvage pumps were transferred onto the casualty vessel to begin pumping out the water which was found to be 25cms above the floorboards.
“The vessel, with two crew on board was then taken in tow by Barry Dock lifeboat. "RNLI Penarth were also then tasked to assist in the tow.
"The yacht crews quick actions in calling for help undoubtedly saved them from sinking."
Crews were stood down and returned to station by midnight and made ready for service again.
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