St Mary's RNLI called to yacht

The lifeboat was launched at 12.25pm to go to the help of a yacht with two people on board that was rapidly taking in water. The ketch was on a short passage around Tresco to find a new mooring when it struck a rock.

Once on the scene, the crew transferred a salvage pump and helped the skipper investigate the leak.

It was apparent, after removing some of the decking, that the keel and surrounding area had suffered damage. The lifeboat then remained alongside with the pumps running until there was enough tide to escort the stricken vessel to St Mary's harbour where she could dry out and a proper investigation of the damage could be carried out.

The lifeboat then refuelled and returned to her mooring ready for service.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.