A Scottish family on holiday in Bermuda were plucked to safety by a ferry after their boat started to sink yesterday.

The drama began around 2 p.m. when the Boston Whaler with six people on board was near the Camber at the entrance to Dockyard. It was hit by a large wave from another craft and began to fill with water.

A mother and her two teenage daughters got out of the 13-foot boat while the others tried to bail it out. ?They were trying to swim ashore but could not get on the dock,? explained a Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre officer.

However, the ferry which was en route to St. George?s ? was able to rescue the trio from the water. The Boston Whaler later made it to shore.

Ishtanupa Paynter, Senior Pilot in charge of the said last night: ?They needed help so we helped them. It?s just the right thing to do.?

He said the mother and daughters were a ?a little shaky? afterwards, but otherwise fine. All of those on board the stricken boat were wearing life vests.