The trio, from Ashton Under Lyme, had got into difficulties two miles outside the town harbour, when mechanical problems left them drifting into shipping lanes.

With their 14ft boat moving into the path of the Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire ferry, the men raised the alarm.

Holyhead RNLI spokesman Ray Steadman said: "The three were very lucky, because if the dinghy had gotten in the way of the ferry, we would have been dealing with a very serious incident.

"It is a requirement for people to inform harbour control if they are to cross shipping lanes - in this case the ferry was just about to leave its berth before the alarm was raised."

RNLI inshore lifeboat 'Angel', manned by three volunteer crew members, met the stricken dinghy near the Tinto Jetty, and took the vessel was taken under tow before landing it at the Holyhead sailing club slipway.

Mr Steadman added: "This was a good result; in this instance the three gentlemen were wearing lifejackets and had devices with which to call for help.

"They also thanked the crew, which was a nice touch."