A fishing boat was rescued after it got into difficulty near Stout Point in fading daylight.
The 37ft vessel called for help when its propeller and rudder were fouled by debris in the water late on Thursday afternoon.
It ended up drifting dangerously close to the reef of the beach at Llantwit Major amid easterly weather conditions and an outgoing tide.
The RNLI at Barry Dock sent out its all-weather lifeboat to rescue the fishing boat by tow, preventing it from the risk of running aground.
It was eventually taken to Barry Harbour and secured onto a swinging mooring following a four-hour operation. The crew on board the fishing boat were safe and unharmed.
Andy Gavan, coxswain at RNLI Barry Dock, said: "This shout highlights the importance of being prepared and responsive at sea."
"Thanks to the professionalism of the crew and their swift actions, we were able to assist the fishing vessel and prevent what could have been a much more serious situation."

MS calls for police resources to be deployed to prevent heating oil thefts
Concerns raised over what would be the tallest building in Wales
Cladding works at Cardiff Bay appartments approved
GVS celebrate legacy of CEO upon retirement
Operation in Cardiff and the Vale sees over 30 suspected offenders arrested in one day
Soft Plastic Recycling to expand across the Vale of Glamorgan
A number of changes are coming to Cardiff's International Sports Vilage
Barry RFC Proposes New Walking Route Across Reservoir Fields Following Community Feedback
Community groups receive £10k to support bereavement projects across Wales
Residents band together to oppose green space inclusion in redevelopment plans
Penarth shop named Welsh bookshop of the year
Council Tax rise approved by Vale Councillors
Cardiff Airport recognised by Ysgol y Deri parents’ charity for supporting students and families
The go-ahead has been given to relocate a collection at a major Welsh museum to return a “significant room” to the “public realm of the museum”
Spitfire Flights Mark 90th Anniversary of First Flight
Penarth RNLI crew members join RNLI’s Women in Search and Rescue Training Week