A search and rescue exercise ran into problems in Ramsey on Sunday morning.

A Sea King helicopter from RAF Valley landed on the beach near the south stone pier, at the entrance to the harbour, and a helicopter winchman was transferred to the town's RNLI Mersey class lifeboat, the Ann and James Ritchie (pictured).

However, the winch developed a problem, leaving the RAF crewman stranded on the lifeboat.

It was decided to abort the training exercise, but as it was low water the lifeboat was unable enter the harbour.

It left the problem of how to reunite the winchman with his colleagues on the helicopter, so the aircraft could return to RAF Valley for repairs.

The fact the lifeboat tractor can operate while submerged provided the solution.

It was driven out to the lifeboat and the the winchman was picked up and taken back to the helicopter which was waiting on the beach.

The aircraft then took off and returned to its base.