THE crew of a boat were rescued moments before it sank off the Somerset coast at the weekend.

RNLI Weston-super-Mare's volunteer crew were sent to a distress call from a fishing vessel in need of urgent assistance off Steepholm Island, in the Bristol Channel on Saturday morning (August 13).

Two lifeboats were launched with a salvage pump with seven crew.

The Barry Dock RNLI all-weather Trent class lifeboat and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 187 from St Athan were also dispatched to the scene to assist the casualty vessel and crew already at the location.

The Weston Atlantic 85 lifeboat, with Helmsman Dave Ridout on his first shout since qualification as helm on this type of lifeboat, was the first asset to arrive at the casualty's location.

He brought the lifeboat alongside the fishing vessel, then quickly and safely transferred two casualties off of the stricken vessel.

A salvage pump was quickly set up by the volunteers, but it soon become apparent that the vessel was taking on too much water and couldn't be saved.

The casualties were transferred onto the Barry Dock lifeboat and assessed in case of medical care being required.

A RNLI Weston-super-Mare spokesperson said: "Despite being shocked by the quickness of how the situation changed so rapidly, they were assessed to be in good spirits and not needing any treatment.

"Just a few minutes after the lifeboats and helicopter arrived on scene, the vessel was lost to the sea as it disappeared below the surface.

"With the gravity of the event and the speed it all happened at realised by the survivors and lifeboat crew, the decision was made to return back to the Weston Lifeboat Station at Knightstone, where the two casualties were brought safely ashore to have plans made to get them home.

"A very sad outcome for the fishing vessel, but thankfully we were able to be on scene quickly to assist, and to bring the two casualties back to the safety of the shore and their families.

"The two survivors are very experienced seafarers who were well-prepared with their safety equipment and procedures for calling for help and evacuating, which no doubt aided their quick rescue and recovery.

"Remember, if you see anyone in danger at the coast, don't delay, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."