TWO "shocked" sailors were rescued from poor conditions by Minehead’s RNLI when their yacht lost all power and rendered their radio useless.

Minehead’s volunteer crew launched at 11.24pm on Saturday, August 24, to assist the "unlit sailing yacht in peril" near Watchet Harbour.

The two-person yacht crew couldn't use their onboard radio to call for help after losing power as they found themselves in a "perilous position" 150m from the harbour and at risk of "running aground".

Strong winds and "challenging conditions" produced a "significant" Force 4 swell, creating waves up to 6ft high, which the 30ft boat couldn't navigate alone.

The yacht crew began their journey at Ilfracombe and lost all power close to Watchet after sailing approximately 35 nautical miles. The crew were both "safe and well" following the rescue.

A spokesperson for Minehead RNLI said: "At 23:24 hours on Saturday 24th of August 2024, Minehead RNLI’s Atlantic 85 volunteer lifeboat launched on service, to assist an unlit sailing vessel in a perilous position just 150 m off Watchet Harbour, at immediate risk of running aground.

"Conditions on scene were challenging, with a significant Force 4 swell caused by strong winds and a high spring tide.

"Despite the challenging conditions and poor visibility, within 14 minutes a tow line was attached to the 30-foot vessel, then towed to a safe mooring.

"HM Coastguard land assets assisted by illuminating the vessel and providing essential updates throughout.

"Both persons on board were safe and well, albeit shocked, having sailed from Ilfracombe and lost all power close to Watchet, rendering their on-board radio inoperative."

RNLI's spokesperson added that this should serve as a reminder to have a "backup means of calling for help".

They said: "This illustrates the importance of always having a backup means of calling for help.

"This marked Ross Hartgen’s first shout as a newly revalidated Helm. This was an incident whereby the crew’s training was key to a safe resolution."