Crews from two lifeboat stations attended a joint call out late on Sunday.

Volunteers from Peel and Port Erin were called out at 11.15pm, into difficult sea conditions with big swells, to help a yacht which was said to be in difficulty with only one person aboard.

The two crews met at Glen Maye where the yacht was found. It did not require a tow but a crew member from Port Erin RNLI was put aboard the yacht to assist its solo sailor. The two lifeboats then escorted the yacht to safety in Peel harbour.

Juan Owens, volunteer coxswain aboard Peel RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat, Ruby Clery, said: ’We train with other Isle of Man volunteer RNLI crews for such joint operations, and tonight we worked well together in challenging circumstances to bring the solo yachtsman to safety.’

An RNLI spokesman added: ’As July begins and more people are enjoying being out on the water, please remember the RNLI’s timely safety advice: always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, ensure everyone onboard knows how to call for help, get appropriate training and check your engine and fuel before every trip.’