A solo yachtsman was rescued from near gale force winds and rough seas on Monday morning after getting into trouble off the coast of North Yorkshire.
 
Filey RNLI lifeboat crew came to the aid of the yacht, which was dragging its anchor.
 
Sesame’s skipper contacted Humber Coastguard asking for assistance at around 8.30am, as he was unable to start his engine and was in danger of being blown onto the shore at a place known as Haven Rocks.
 
After arriving at the scene, the RNLI crew decided to take the yacht to Bridlington Bay as it would provide some shelter from the poor weather conditions, allowing the yacht to berth safely in the harbour.
 
In winds gusting up to force eight and a heavy swell, the lifeboat towed the vessel away from danger and arrived in Bridlington some three and a half hours after the initial call.
 
Filey lifeboat coxswain Barry Robson, said: “The wind and sea swell were such that the yacht could well have been blown ashore quite quickly so the skipper did the right thing to contact the coastguard and ask for assistance.
 
“Conditions were very difficult at time; however our crew here at Filey are trained to cope wit all situations and I want to thank them for turning out yesterday in such poor weather.”