VOLUNTEER Lifeboat crew went to the aid of three people in Whitsand Bay whose boat had a punctured hull.
Looe RNLI launched the Atlantic 85 vessel to the call out just before 12.30pm yesterday (Saturday).
On a low spring tide, the shore crew of head launcher Nick Pope with Eric Candy, Paul Barley and Matt Jaycock escorted tractor driver Dave Mitchell, who had to drive the tractor and lifeboat along the river bed and past the Banjo Pier to make the launch.
The Atlantic 85 was helmed by Clive Palfrey, with crew Tom Peat, Jack Spree and Goron Jones.
Arriving at Polhawn Cove, they found a six-metre rib with a punctured sponson (hull extension) which had dragged its anchor and was on rocks.
While one person was still onboard the rib, two more were on the beach.
Crew member Tom Peat went ashore to assess the two casualties, while the other crew assessed the puncture damage. Leaving the two people on the beach in the care of Looe and Tamar coastguard rescue teams, Tom re-joined the Atlantic 85.
Meanwhile, crew member Goron Jones went on board the rib to assist with the foot pump to control water ingress. The other crew on the Atlantic 85 escorted the boat safely back to a mooring at the Royal William Yard, Plymouth.