20 rescued after boat runs aground
Cup Match ended abruptly for 20 people, when their party boat struck a rock off Spanish Point on Sunday night. All passengers were evacuated safely after the 34ft vessel Bally Ho ran aground on a reef by Peter Tucker’s Bay.A member of staff at the nearby Spanish Point Boat Club said: “There is a passage there that’s quite shallow. You’ve got to know what you’re doing.”Maritime Operations got a distress call at 9.25pm, near high tide. Marine police came to assist, along with private boats in the area. A barge was sent to dislodge it in the afternoon.According to Maritime Operations: “The incident highlights a number of safety related issues as the vessel did not have enough life jackets for all persons onboard. In addition, a VHF radio was not readily available for use which helps establish a boat’s exact location.“Bermuda radio would like to remind all boat users of the importance of having the correct safety and radio equipment onboard.”