Port Erin Lifeboat was launched twice over the weekend to go to the help of yachts in difficulties.

The first happened at around 9.30pm on Saturday after a call for help was received from a craft en-route between Holyhead and Port St Mary.

A catamaran with five persons aboard had suffered engine trouble and was unable to make headway.

The vessel was taken in tow but due to a freshening offshore wind it was not until 10.40pm that she was safely secured in the inner harbour at Port Erin and met by members of Port Erin Coastguard.

The lifeboat was called out again on Sunday morning to help two yachts in Port Erin bay who were reported to be dragging their anchors and were in danger of being taken over the rocks of the former breakwater by the strong offshore wind.

One vessel, a 32' yacht with engine problems was advised to let the anchor loose before being taken in tow. She was brought back up the bay with an along-side tow and secured to a mooring buoy.

The anchor of the yacht was then recovered by the lifeboat and returned to the craft. The other yacht was able to hold fast at their anchorage without further help.