Concern for the welfare of three young men who failed to return their rental boat over the weekend sparked a Police appeal last night.

The trio rented a 15-foot Boston Whaler from Somerset Bridge Water Sports in Sandys around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, but failed to return it by the scheduled time of 6.30 p.m.

Staff from the company reported their concerns to the authorities later that evening, with the Marine Police subsequently mounting a search of the shoreline and Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre issuing broadcasts asking ships to look out for the boat, registration number R153.

According to a Police press release, officers found the craft secured at Pitts Bay around 10.45 a.m. yesterday, but no sign of the occupants. However, according to a worker at Somerset Bridge Water Sports, the Police told him they found it floating unsecured near the shore somewhere in the central parishes.

Speaking last night the man, who declined to give his name, said: "I got up at 5.30 this morning and searched high and low for it before they found it. They believe the three young men used the gas up and scattered. Our concern was that perhaps something had happened to them, although the boat can't sink even if it has got holes in it and there are life jackets under the seats by law. They found the boat with just a small amount of water in the front well. They just left it because they weren't very nice young men. I was very pleased to find the boat and I don't think anything has befallen them as it was not waterlogged."

The worker said the trio used up gas worth more than $50, and he believes they abandoned the vessel to avoid paying for this. However, he added: "Our main concern is that these people are safe. All we need is a phone call. Obviously these people could not empathise with how other people are worrying."

Mystery surrounds the identities of the three men. According to the worker, one gave his surname as Pedro, and was of slim build with short dark hair and gold chains. Another is believed to be called Joshua, and the third Tavares — with one mentioning it had been his birthday on Friday. A cell phone number left with the hire company was out of service.

A Police spokesman said while there is no reason to believe the individuals have come to any harm, inquiries are ongoing to identify who they are and check on their welfare. He appealed for them, or anyone with information, to contact the Marine Police on 299-4584.

Meanwhile, wo boats in difficulties were towed to safety on Saturday.

Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre (BMOC) received the first call at 5.29 p.m from a 19-foot pleasure boat disabled off St. David's Lighthouse with three people on board.

An urgent broadcast was made for vessels in the area to assist, and the dive boat Tenacity went to help, towing the stricken vessel to St. George's Harbour.

At 6.06 p.m. it was reported that the 23-foot powerboat Drumbeat had suffered propeller failure 300 yards south of Spittal Pond, on the South Shore. There was one person on board.

No responses were received after BMOC made calls for assistance, so the Marine Police boat Rescue II made its way from Hamilton Harbour to tow Drumbeat into Tucker's Town.