Ilfracombe RNLI recovered a stricken yacht after it lost engine power off the North Devon coast.

The station’s all-weather lifeboat was launched at 8.38pm on Sunday (11 October) after a 33ft yacht carrying two passengers became stranded north of Lynmouth.

The lifeboat crew experienced rough seas but were able to locate the vessel quickly and brought it under tow.

However, due to the adverse weather conditions, Coxswain Andrew Bengey took the decision to take the yacht to Swansea – transferring control of the vessel to their colleague at Mumbles RNLi mid-way across the channel.

Leigh Hanks, full time mechanic at Ilfracombe RNLI, said: “We had wonderful team work between all RNLI personnel, and were able to secure the safest outcome for all.”

Yesterday, the RNLI received its largest gift ever, after two rare Ferraris were auctioned off, raising £8.53m, with all proceeds going to the charity.

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