This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-22336208

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Courageous II wrecked near Padstow: Crew 'in danger' Courageous II wrecked near Padstow: Crew 'in danger'
(about 5 hours later)
A historic former fishing boat en route to Cornwall to take part in Mayday celebrations has been destroyed after running aground on rocks. The skipper of a fishing boat has told how he and three others were dramatically rescued after it smashed against rocks in a "raging" sea.
The RNLI said the four-strong crew of the Courageous II were rescued "in the nick of time" as the boat broke up under their feet. Owner Ron Bygott said a lifeboat crew "certainly" saved his life and those onboard the Courageous II.
The vessel, which is believed to date from the 1940s, ran into trouble just outside Padstow at about 04.45 BST. He said the boat and the wheelhouse had broken in half after it ran aground on the north Cornwall coast.
It had been on its way to the town from its home port of Bristol. The RNLI said the four-strong crew was rescued "in the nick of time" as the boat broke up.
The Courageous II has been a regular feature at Padstow's Obby Oss Mayday festival for the past 25 years. Mr Bygott said: "A lifeboat turned up in about 15 minutes, and it's lucky they did because my boat and the wheelhouse broke in half.
"The wheelhouse was attached to the main mast. If that had gone we would probably have gone with it."
Mr Bygott said the sea was "quite mountainous" and the lifeboat crew had "certainly" saved their lives, rowing over the rocks to pluck them to safety.
'Immediate danger''Immediate danger'
He added that a friend's ashes had been onboard the vessel and were found amongst the debris.
Mr Bygott had been planning to scatter them at sea.
Mike England, Padstow lifeboat's mechanic, said: "This was a very speedy rescue as the four men were in immediate danger with the boat literally breaking up under their feet.Mike England, Padstow lifeboat's mechanic, said: "This was a very speedy rescue as the four men were in immediate danger with the boat literally breaking up under their feet.
"Fortunately thanks to skilful boat handling in very shallow water we were able to get them off the boat and ashore in minutes and they are all well. "Fortunately thanks to skilful boat handling in very shallow water we were able to get them off the boat and ashore in minutes and they are all well."
"They're regular visitors to Padstow, usually appearing for our annual Mayday celebrations and it's very sad to see their boat in such a terrible situation." The vessel, which is believed to date from the 1940s, was en route to Cornwall to take part in Mayday celebrations.
Mr Bygott said they had left Bristol on Sunday but experienced worsening weather conditions.
They attempted to anchor at Stepper Point in the Camel estuary but a gearbox failure meant they were quickly driven onto rocks just outside Padstow and forced to issue a mayday call at about 04.45 BST.
Wreckage from the 15.2m (50ft) boat was washed up on a local beach.
Mr Bygott said: "I'm shocked and upset, that's 26 years of my life."
The Courageous II has been a regular feature at Padstow's Obby Oss Mayday festival for the past 26 years.
Mr England said: "They're regular visitors to Padstow, usually appearing for our annual Mayday celebrations and it's very sad to see their boat in such a terrible situation."
The vessel was carrying 900 litres (198 gallons) of fuel and coastguards worked with the harbour authority to contain a "small oil slick" coming from the wreck.The vessel was carrying 900 litres (198 gallons) of fuel and coastguards worked with the harbour authority to contain a "small oil slick" coming from the wreck.
Wreckage from the 15.2m (50ft) boat has been washed up on a local beach. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has been informed about the incident.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has been informed.