SEVERN Area Rescue Association (SARA) lifeboats were on hand this weekend to assist two vessels that ran aground near the Second Severn Crossing.

The first vessel, which ran aground just north of the crossing, put out a mayday call on Sunday (3rd July). 

SARA Lifeboat 3 was on the water training at the time so diverted straight to the first vessel’s location while SARA Lifeboat 1 launched from Beachley station.

A second sailing vessel was nearby and assisted the first boat but also got stuck. 

Both SARA lifeboats were joined by a third lifeboat from RNLI Portishead.

The SARA lifeboats towed second vessel off the rocks and took the people from the first vessel back to Beachley station while waiting for this afternoons tide. 

The RNLI Portishead boat meanwhile escorted the second vessel to Portishead marina. The SARA boats returned to base at 1pm.

Both the SARA Lifeboats relaunched at 3.30pm to attend the first vessel and re-float it.

The vessel was checked and its engine started.

All SARA lifeboats returned to station around 6pm, while keeping a watch on the vessel as it made its own way to Lydney Docks.