A rescue operation was under way after a boat hit reef near the East End of the island tonight.

The Maritime Operations Centre was alerted to the incident at about 8.20pm when a 911 call was made for “urgent assistance”.

A duty officer said the man, who was the only person on board the vessel, reported that he had hit reef near Castle Harbour.

He was hurt and the boat was taking on water.

A Mayday call was issued and the Tenacious, a fishing boat, responded while the pilot boat also rushed to the scene.

The man was brought ashore by the fishing boat to be transferred to a waiting ambulance at the Tucker’s Town public dock at about 9.10pm.