Three men who failed to return after shark fishing near Dale have been found following an extensive coastal search.

The crew have now been found safe and well after going out on a fishing trip and failing to return on time.

HM Coastguard launched the search last night (Friday) after receiving a call saying the crew of three had not been heard from since going off shark fishing from Dale around 5am.

A rescue helicopter from St Athan was sent to search for the vessel along with Angle and St David’s RNLI lifeboat and Dale Coastguard Rescue Team. The crew and RHIB were confirmed as being safe and well just after 10pm.

Dan Young, Senior Maritime Operations Officer with HM Coastguard said: “We received the call at 7.10 pm, reporting the vessel as overdue. After an extensive search involving the Coastguard helicopter, RNLI lifeboats and Coastguard Rescue officers and Dyfed Powys Police Officers the RHIB was found with all occupants safe and well.”

He added: “We’d just like to remind people it’s always a good idea to make sure that you’ve not only told a shore contact where you are going but also the time you expect to be back. If that changes for whatever reason, let them or even the coastguard know.

“Make sure that when you go out you’ve also got a means to contact the shore contact and for your shore contacts to be able to contact you. And make sure you’ve got all the right safety equipment so that if something does go wrong you’re able to alert the Coastguard and also it will be easier for us to locate you. The message remains the same: if you get into trouble or see anyone else who is, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”