Rescue as yacht runs aground off Devon headland

COASTGUARD rescue teams, a lifeboat and a Coastguard helicopter were all called to a yacht which ran aground on rocks in the early hours of yesterday.

Police received a 999 call at 3.45am at the same time as the Coastguard received a Mayday call from the 25ft yacht which hit rocks at Start Point in South Devon, a notorious stretch of coastline with a fast tidal race running past the point.

Prawle Point Coastguard Rescue Team were initially called and were soon joined by Dartmouth Coastguard Rescue Team. Salcombe RNLI lifeboat and a Bristow Coastguard helicopter from Newquay were also called.

Two casualties on board were taken off the boat by the Salcombe lifeboat crew and were taken by ambulance to hospital.

The yacht yesterday remained on the rocks as was said to be too dangerous to recover.