engine of his 18-foot fishing boat broke down while he was fishing several miles off the Island.

Mr. Ivan Landy's daughter, Ms Sybil Robinson, called Harbour Radio at 7.20 p.m. to say he was almost three hours late in returning.

Marine Police conducted a search for Mr. Landy off the west end of the Island and finally found him at 10.25 p.m. in the area of Eastern Blue Cut. They towed the boat to Dockyard.

Mr. Landy said he had been unable to call Harbour Radio because of his radio's low battery power.

A Police spokesman said this incident highlighted the importance of boaters filing a plan and letting a person know what time you expect to be back.

In addition, he said it was important to have the necessary equipment on board including a good VHF radio with a hand held back up.