Harbour Radio responded to three incidents yesterday after two boats suffered engine failure and a third was found washed up on the shore.

At about 3.30 p.m. yesterday, three people on board the small pleasure boat The Fish Cake radioed for help after its battery went flat while it was moored in Murray's Anchorage, west of the oil docks near Ferry Reach.

Harbour Radio broadcast for anyone in the area to assist the trio, and soon after The Reefer, which was leaving Castle Harbour, went to help, giving Fish Cake a jump start.

At about 5.30 p.m., a member of the public called Harbour Radio to report a boat by the name of Grasshopper also suffering engine trouble at the entrance to Cavello Bay in Somerset. The ferry boat Patience was on its way from Somerset Bridge to Cavello Bay, so towed the stranded boat back into shore.

Last night, an eight-foot punt, which had been missing for two weeks, was returned to its owner after it was found washed up at Somerset Bridge. The discarded punt was reported to Harbour Radio, who was then able to locate its registered owner.