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."

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