Flint lifeboat was launched at about 9.40pm on Friday, after receiving a call from the coastguard reporting that a 16 foot dory fishing boat with three local fishermen on board had got lost in dense fog.

The men were attempting to get back to Bagillt, but due to the fog they became lost and hit a sandbank between Mostyn and Greenfield.

Flint lifeboat was launched at Talacre beach and within 30 minutes they reached the stricken vessel, after it was located by the coastguard using para flares and blue lights.

Visibility was down to 10 yards, and with the tide ebbing, the lifeboat had to stand by the dory for an hour to enable it to refloat.

The boat was later escorted safely back to Greenfield and the three men were reported to be unharmed.

Rhyl all-weather lifeboat was also launched to but was later stood down.

Lifeboat operations manager Alan Forrester said: "It was a worst case scenario.

"The lifeboat, which was being towed by road to Talacre, had to make a detour due to a road accident at Greenfield, and the dense fog on the river, along with an ebbing tide made the rescue difficult.

"However, the Flint lifeboat crew located the stricken vessel quickly and thankfully were able to get the three men and their boat to safety."

Flint lifeboat returned to the station at 12.45am.