Scary moment boat gets stuck on top of rock 10ft in the air after colliding with reef

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Emergency teams spent 12 hours rescuing the crew from a boat that was stranded 10ft in the air atop rocks off the coast of Jersey.

The motor cruiser collided with an underwater reef and became stuck on top of a rock on Friday morning.

Unable to move, the crew of the little vessel were plucked to safety by the RNLI and coastguards at the Ecrehous mini islands, in a rescue mission which lasted almost 12 hours.The motor cruiser became stranded on top of a rock 10ft in the air after colliding with an underwater reef

The motor cruiser became stranded on top of a rock 10ft in the air after colliding with an underwater reef Attempts to rescue the crew on board the stricken boat took 12 hours as, during the rescue, the tide went out leaving the motor cruiser stranded on a rock 10ft above the water

Attempts to rescue the crew on board the stricken boat took 12 hours as, during the rescue, the tide went out leaving the motor cruiser stranded on a rock 10ft above the water

The crew reported minor injuries from the impact and underwent casualty assessments once they were transferred to Jersey

An RNLI Jersey spokesperson said: “Both RNLI Jersey Lifeboat stations were involved in the recovery of a motor cruiser and her crew following a collision with rocks at the Ecrehous.

“Shortly after 11am, the St Catherine’s inshore lifeboat was tasked with an initial assessment following reports of a grounded motor boat at the Ecrehous reef.

“Whilst the boat was in a precarious position, it was not in immediate danger as it was clear of the water on a falling spring tide.

“The casualty boat’s crew had already been transferred to the main island by Seafaris who were on scene as part of a scheduled tour of the reef.

“The crew were reporting minor injuries from the impact and the St Catherine’s crew performed casualty assessments.

“Liaising with Jersey Coastguard, it was decided to transfer them back to Jersey using the RNLI Jersey all-weather lifeboat which was then launched from St Helier.

“The casualty boat crew were then transferred to the all-weather lifeboat using the Seafaris RIB, which has a ladder to make shore-to-boat transfers easier.’

The rescue mission involved both RNLI Jersey Lifeboat stations after the boat was left in a 'precarious position' on top of a rock 10ft in the air

The spokesperson added: ‘The St Catherine’s crew returned to station but were later also tasked to stand by during the salvage operation when the stricken motorboat refloated on the rising tide.

“The inshore lifeboat then accompanied the casualty vessel back to Gorey where she was hoisted out of the water for a full assessment and repairs.

“The St Catherine’s crew then recovered and prepared the lifeboat for her next service, which was the conclusion of almost 12 hours of service.

“Many thanks to Jersey Coastguard for co-ordinating the rescue and Jersey Seafaris for their assistance on the day.'”