A 13 metre late 19th century wooden sailing boat drifting dangerously close to rocks with two terrified crew on board was saved in a dramatic rescue yesterday evening.

The boat at Lower Town, Fishguard, was dragging its anchor starting to run aground. As the tide came in and in strong offshore winds the traditional wooden vessel, which had no engine onboard, was on course for collision for the rocks.

(Image: Matt Lewis)

Local emergency services were alerted to the situation at 6pm yesterday evening, Wednesday, October 9.

Both Fishguard lifeboats were launched and made best speed to the location where the all-weather lifeboat crew began setting up towing equipment.

As the lifeboats arrived on scene it was evident that the casualty vessel had begun to touch the sea bed. The inshore lifeboat crew made contact with the two female crew onboard to who said that anchors had been deployed from the bow and stern and the two crew intended to remain onboard.

As the lifeboats stood by it became evident that the vessel had lost or was dragging an anchor and was subsequently grounded on a bar. An assessment of the situation was carried out and due to the risk and unknown state of the casualty vessel, establishing a tow would not be a viable option.

Efforts were made by the inshore lifeboat crew to secure the vessel, however with worsening conditions the lifeboat was approaching its operational limit.

(Image: Matt Lewis)

However the strong onshore winds and low tide meant that establishing a tow with the lifeboat was deemed to be unsafe.

With the wind and size of swell increasing, the inshore lifeboat helm again made the offer to remove the two casualty crew to shore, however this was declined. Given the increased wind and swell height the decision was made that it was no longer safe for the inshore lifeboat crew to continue and the volunteer crew returned to station.

(Image: Matt Lewis)

With worsening conditions the inshore lifeboat was forced to return to the boathouse leaving the all-weather lifeboat to stand off at a distance where it maintained watch and provided lighting.

Coastguard rescue officers from Fishguard and Moylegrove prepared themselves in dry suits and prepared water rescue equipment, ready to enter the water should the need arise to take the crew off the casualty vessel. A coastguard helicopter was also requested in case the crew need winching the to safety. 

(Image: HM Coastguard Fishguard)

As conditions worsened, with the tide coming in and the casualty getting closer to rocks a local fishing boat that could operate in shallow water offered to help.

The fishing boat and its crew, along with the harbour master, were able to set out from Lower Town and establish a tow. They dragged the casualty out to deeper water and onto a mooring near the North Breakwater.

Once the casualty was safely moored the coastguard and lifeboat were able to stand down.

(Image: HM Coastguard Fishguard)

Fishguard lifeboat coxswain, Gemma Gill, said:

"The location and size of the casualty vessel, combined with the prevailing conditions created a number of challenges for both our lifeboats.

"The inshore lifeboat was operating close to its limits and the helm demonstrated excellent seamanship in the conditions, keeping his own crew safe.

"Once a vessel is aground it is difficult to assess any damage below the waterline, and whether towing would exacerbate the situation.

"The lifeboat stood by to provide assistance to the person’s onboard should it be required, and this was extended to the crew of the fishing vessel as they took it under tow until the incident was brought to a safe conclusion."