Six people ‘in real peril’ saved from boat near Great Yarmouth

A helicopter and rescue boat were used to save six people from a sinking vessel that was taking on water after running aground.

Hemsby Broads Rescue was called to the River Bure near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk at about 21:50 BST on Sunday.

Five people were taken by boat to a safe mooring but a sixth person, who was recovering from major surgery, was airlifted from the scene due to his condition and the vessel’s deteriorating situation.

Hemsby Lifeboat said those on board had been in “real peril” and described the rescue as a “true team effort”.

In a Facebook post, it said: “Once all casualties and crew were safely evacuated, Hemsby Broads Rescue returned to a safe mooring to collect the remainder of our team, who were stood down at 00:45.

“This was a notable rescue of six people who, without swift and coordinated action, would have been in real peril.”