A loyal dog, which helped injured crew members, was saved from a stricken yacht.
A dramatic rescue operation unfolded when the boat, carrying three people and the unfazed pooch, issued a Mayday distress call.
The 50-foot vessel suffered engine failure and was drifting dangerously about 10 miles offshore.
READ MORE: ‘Shoplifter’ locked in Tesco by hero staff before then accusing THEM of assault
It was also reported there were medical issues with two of its crew and stated that they required immediate assistance.
A six-hour rescue op in rough seas and near-gale force winds ensued.
And the dog reportedly stayed with one of the crew members suffering a medical issue in a bid to keep them warm.
Two lifeboats and a rescue helicopter were deployed off Margate, Kent, as reported by Need To Know.
An RNLI spokesman said: “Once on scene, two crew members from the Margate lifeboat boarded the craft.
“And after an initial assessment, provided treatment to the two casualties.
“While Ramsgate lifeboat established a towing connection with the yacht to stabilise the vessel’s movement.
“It was determined that weather conditions precluded transfer of the two casualties directly to the coastguard helicopter.”
They added: “It was subsequently considered best that the casualties should remain on the yacht to be monitored by the lifeboat crew.
“And a helicopter paramedic with Ramsgate lifeboat is continuing the tow to Ramsgate harbour, the nearest suitable port of refuge, with Margate lifeboat also remaining in attendance as escort.
Upon arrival at Ramsgate, the convoy was met by members of Margate Coastguard Rescue Team, whereby the vessel’s occupants were handed into the care of the South East Coast Ambulance Service.
“The dog was unfazed by the drama, and according to one of the lifeboat crew, was ‘acting as a hot water bottle for one of the casualties’ and remained with the yacht’s crew.
“The lifeboats returned to the station after completing the six-hour-long rescue.”
Kieran Sharrock of Margate RNLI said: “The occupants did exactly the right thing by initiating a Mayday call when their situation deteriorated.
“This was a long and arduous rescue for those involved, requiring skill in what was a dynamic situation and what volunteer lifeboat crews are trained for, not to mention the coordination with our flank lifeboat colleagues, along with coast guard personnel onshore and in the air.”
READ MORE: Top racehorse trainer to stand trial next year over alleged assault at his stable-yard
