48 passengers rescued from sinking boat off Pembrokeshire

Nearly 50 people were rescued from a boat that hit a rock near Skomer Island, off the coast of Pembrokeshire on Saturday afternoon.

The Lady Helen sent out a mayday call before 1pm saying it had hit a rock and that it was taking on water.

According to the BBC, Milford Haven Coastguard launched the massive rescue and saved all passengers who were "safely ashore with no injuries".

Barry Yelland, watch manager of Milford Haven Coastguard told ITV News: "The vessel was being pulled off the rock and was being taken into Martin's Haven, but she started to sink and taking on water. All 48 passengers were evacuated by other boats which had responded to the mayday call."

Dr Smith, a GP from Pembrokeshire, told the BBC: "We had quite a few children and elderly ladies on our boat. The children were initially a bit scared. They said the boat had been listing. But once we gave them a Twix each they were fine."

There were no reported injuries.

Day trips to Skomer Island are popular with visitors because of its thousands of sea birds, including puffins.

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