On Friday, March 31, HM Coastguard and RNLI rescued a sailor whose yacht got caught in severe weather conditions with strong winds and 20-foot high waves off the north Devon coast in South West England.

The lone sailor called for help by issuing a "Pan Pan" call, which prompted the dispatch of volunteer crews from Appledore and Clovelly, and a Coastguard helicopter from Newquay for the rescue operation.

Despite the Gale Force 9 conditions and high waves, the rescue teams managed to tow the yacht, with torn sails, to the safety of Bideford Bay.

This footage was filmed and produced 31 March 2023.

On Friday, March 31, 2023, HM Coastguard and RNLI rescued a sailor whose yacht got caught in severe weather conditions with strong winds and 20-foot high waves off the north Devon coast in South West England.

The lone sailor called for help by issuing a 'Pan Pan' call, which prompted the dispatch of volunteer crews from Appledore and Clovelly, and a Coastguard helicopter from Newquay for the rescue operation. Despite the Gale Force 9 conditions and 20-foot-high waves, the rescue teams managed to tow the yacht, with torn sails, to the safety of Bideford Bay. A video of the dramatic rescue is available without license restrictions as it comes from an emergency services partner of the news agency.