A patrol boat towed a damaged sailing yacht to safety during the night in a difficult operation in rough seas.

The AFM said the yacht DU4 issued a distress call yesterday evening after one of its crew members suffered a head injury.

A helicopter was deployed to conduct a medical evacuation but it proved difficult due to severe weather conditions with wind force 7 and a swell of four to six metres.

During the night, the yacht altered course and came closer to Malta but it then suffered rudder and power failures.

The AFM Operations Centre diverted a merchant ship to stand by the yacht, together with another sailing boat.

In view of the worsening weather conditions, the AFM then deployed its largest patrol boat which reached the sailing yacht some 30 nautical miles south west of Malta early this morning.

After several attempts, the patrol boat managed to secure a tow line and towed the yacht to the Gozo channel where the crewman was airlifted to Marfa. 

The yacht later berthed alongside Marfa pier and another two crew members were also treated for injuries.

Video provided by the AFM