Members of the boating community were praised after rescuing two vessels that suffered problems while out at sea yesterday.

Duty Officer of Bermuda Maritime Operations Craig Copik, said the two cases were "worth noting and are good examples of the generosity of the Bermuda Islanders when someone is in trouble".

One incident involved a man on jet ski whose motor cut out around 5.45 p.m. The man reported he was located north of the Fairmont Southampton hotel and was drifting out to sea.

According to Mr. Copik, the caller was loosing power on his cell phone and sunset was fast approaching. Bermuda Radio put out a 'pan pan' call, meaning urgent but not life threatening, and within ten minutes four vessels had offered to help.

This included a rigid inflatable craft from research vessel "Atlantic Explorer", Department of Marine and Ports ferry J.L. Cecil Smith, private vessel Jet Lag and the Police Marine Branch.

Each vessel wanted to make sure the jet ski owner was found and rescued before darkness set in. But in the end it was J.L. Cecil Smith which found the drifting jet ski and its owner around 7.15 p.m. The ferry and its passengers stood by until Marine Police were able to tow the jet ski to Hamilton and arrange transport for the gentleman.

A few hours earlier fishing vessel Over Budget encountered a problem with its fuelling system while fishing on the north side of challenger banks around 3.55 p.m.

The boat was assisted by Reel Action, which began toeing the vessel towards the west end of Bermuda, around 13 nautical miles away. Mr. Copik said conditions were not ideal for the tow and 30 foot vessel Reel Action was struggling at 2 knots — when another boat Sea Scorpion intervened and completed the tow to Hamilton around 9.30 p.m.

Bermuda Maritime Operations would like to thank all involved in this rescue.