LIFEBOAT RESCUES THREE

The lifeboat was launched at 11.30am after a mobile phone call alerted coastguards to the 23-foot cabin cruiser Boom Bass Stik which was drifting a quarter-of-a-mile off the estuary.

Crewmen found three people on board including a seven-year-old boy who was feeling seasick.

Cox Ian Johns told the Express: 'The sea was fairly calm but a bit choppy and people had been trying to restart the engine which was giving off a strong smell of diesel.

'I think the combination was making the lad feel ill.'

After finding the cruiser, one rescuer went on board and helped the three people to board the lifeboat and warm up in the comfort of its cabin.

The cruiser was towed ashore at midday.