A RNLI lifeboat was launched early this morning to help a stranded yacht in Walney Channel.

The lifeboat was dispatched around 12.30am from RNLI Barrow Lifeboat Station to help a man on a yacht, who had called for assistance.

Barrow Lifeboat Station launched Vision of Tamworth, with Andy Baxter at the helm, after a request from HM Coastguard in Holyhead.

The yacht was situated near Piel Island when the man called for aid due to having trouble with his anchor and his mainsail.

The lifeboat was quickly on the scene and established that the effect of the strong spring tide was causing the yacht to drag its anchor.

With assistance from the lifeboat, the yacht was placed on a secure mooring in the Channel where it could remain safely.

Having established the problem, the yacht was took under tow and the lifeboat returned to the station at Roa Island along with the casualty vessel at around 1.30am.

The RNLI in Barrow reported the man had no injuries and was alone on his yacht.

The all-weather lifeboat, ‘Grace Dixon’ was made ready and put on standby in case further assistance was required.

The wind at the time of the incident was westerly, Force 3-4, and the high tide was at 1.30am with a predicted height of 9.2 metres.