Marine police came to the rescue of a boat taking on water five miles off Dockyard on Friday.

A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesman said a woman called 911 at 1.44pm and reported that her son was on board the boat.

Bermuda Radio contacted the helmsman, who said he had started the engine but could not raise anchor and the engine cut out when he cut the anchor line.

The boat was adrift with two persons on-board and taking on water over the stern. The crew bailed by hand while also trying to rig up a temporary anchor.

The helmsman was told to save his phone battery while Bermuda Radio arranged help for the boat 500 yards west of Eastern Blue Cut.

An urgent marine information broadcast was issued and marine police were tasked to help.

Local boat Modern Sinbad also responded and left Robinson’s Marina for the distress position.

Marine police boat Heron II arrived and took the stranded boat under tow and Modern Sinbad was stood down.

“Just after 3pm, Heron II reports that the casualty, The Butt, has managed to restart engine and is making own way — under escort — back to Dockyard.

“At 4:30pm, both vessels are confirmed safely alongside in Dockyard.”

In a separate incident on Thursday, private boat Old Glory towed another stranded boat back to Mangrove Bay.

BMOC received a call from at 8.05pm that reported that an 18ft boat with one person on-board was disabled off Casemates near Mangrove Bay and the engine would not start.

Old Glory responded to Bermuda Radio’s calls for assistance and towed the Flo T back to Mangrove Bay’s public dock.

“Bermuda Radio thanks the crew for their assistance.”