Three in blow-up dinghy rescued by Ramsey lifeboat

Director of harbours says they are 'lucky to be alive'

Three people in a blow-up dinghy have been rescued by Ramsey Lifeboat off the Island's east coast.

Emergency crews were called out shortly after 5pm yesterday (7 June), to a report of a small inflatable boat drifting two miles from Cornaa beach.

Three adults were aboard the pleasurecraft, which had set sail at around 3pm, and thereafter suffered an engine failure.

The wind caused the boat to drift out into rougher seas, and those on-board became increasingly cold.

The owner however was able to use his phone to raise the alarm and lifeboat crews managed to rescue the boaters at around 6:20pm.

Director of Harbours Mark Kenyon said he "cannot emphasise enough the importance of preparation and awareness especially since the vessel had only been acquired earlier that day".

He added "these three people are very lucky to be alive".