Night escort ANGLE LIFEBOAT, THE 46ft 9in WATSON CLASS, Richard Vernon and Mary Garforth of Leeds, launched on service at2148 on the evening of Saturday May 17, 1986, after a yacht had been reported to be suffering engine problems in gale force winds nine miles to the south of St Annes Head.

The 27ft yacht, Carriad, had set off from Milford Haven the day before bound for Falmouth. She first tried to return to Milford Haven but because of the bad weather, her skipper then decided to heave to instead. Coastguards were aware that the strong winds were expected to continue for another 12 hours and, fearing crew fatigue, had alerted the lifeboat station.

The lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Gerald Edwards, headed south into the full force of the southerly gale and very rough seas. At 2256 she radioed to the yacht asking her to fire a.

flare for identification. The flare was sighted and ten minutes later the lifeboat was alongside Carriad. Her engines were started and the lifeboat began to escort her back towards Milford Haven. The two vessels entered the Haven at 0024 at which moment the yacht's engines failed. Although she hoisted sail and managed to steer clear of immediate danger, it was eventually necessary for the lifeboat to pass a tow.

She was taken to the lifeboat station mooring where she was safely secured for the night. The lifeboat was rehoused and by 0230 she reported ready again for service.

The chief of operations, Cdr Bruce Cairns, sent a letter to the honorary secretary of Angle lifeboat station following this service, passing on appreciation to Coxswain Gerald Edwards and his crew for their good work that night..