Volunteers from a west Cumbrian lifeboat crew battled through stormy conditions to help rescue a yacht and the five people on board it.
The UK Coastguard requested late this morning that St Bees RNLI to go to the aid of a nine-metre yacht which was struggling about four miles off Whitehaven harbour.
With winds gusting up to 40 mph, in strong seas and poor visibility, the yacht was finding it extremely difficult to make any progress towards the harbour.
Initially it was decided to escort the yacht and its crew back to the harbour but it soon became apparent that progress was slow due to the storms.
A number of people on the yacht were also beginning to feel seasick.
As a result, the yacht was towed into the harbour.
A statement on St Bees RNLI Facebook page said: "In challenging seas, our crew along with the excellent co-operation from the staff at Whitehaven Harbour brought the boat successfully through the lock and into the safety of the harbour.
"Once inside the harbour the yacht and her crew were handed over to Whitehaven HM Coastguard."
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