When a member of the public contacted Milford Haven Coastguard on Saturday, reporting a yacht had washed up on a beach, a rescue team was sent to investigate. Reporting back that the outboard engine was down with the throttle open, and no one on board, a further volunteer rescue team, two RNLI lifeboats and a rescue helicopter were mobilized.

However, following investigations by one of the Coastguard rescue teams, the crew of the 17ft yacht Eos were found safe and well at a local bed and breakfast.

The men inspected their vessel with the Coastguard team and concluded that the vessel had been stolen.

But after moorings and buoys were inspected at Fishguard Harbour, where the vessel had been moored, Coastguards concluded that the yacht had slipped its moorings and drifted round to Newport Sands where it beached.

Barrie Yelland, Milford Haven Coastguard Watch Manager said: “We are pleased to report that the two men were found safe and well.”