Two men rescued after boat sinks

Wednesday 17th February 2010, 3:00PM GMT.

The two men – one in a stretcher – are brought ashore by the St Helier lifeboat Picture: ROB CURRIE (00891971)

TWO men had to swim for their lives yesterday when their boat capsized and sank off the south coast.

Rescuers said that the men – who were both aged 23 – had a lucky escape. Neither was wearing a life jacket when they were washed overboard close to Le Fret Point between Ouaisné and Portelet at around 11 am.

They then had to endure around five minutes in the bitingly cold and choppy sea before scrambling onto rocks. Their 15-foot motorboat had developed engine trouble before getting swamped in the choppy conditions and sinking.

A number of vessels were involved in the search before the St Helier inshore lifeboat rescued the men from the rocks and transferred them to the all-weather vessel, which took them back to St Helier.

Both men were taken to the General Hospital, where they were treated for hypothermia, and one received treatment for back pain. They were discharged in the afternoon.

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