A 50ft fishing boat is believed to have gone under after striking an unknown object in the water — but the lone mariner on board the vessel was rescued by another boat.

An incident report published by the Department of Marine and Ports said that at about 9.45pm on Monday, Bermuda Maritime Operations were contacted by the operators of the fishing boat Attitude Adjustment from another fishing boat, Fullish.

“He reported that they were heading back from Challenger Bank as Attitude Adjustment had struck an unknown floating object and was now sinking,” the report said.

“The operator of the sinking fishing boat was single-handed on board, and had made a broadcast on the locally used fishing channel, Marine VHF Channel 08, which was acknowledged to by fishing vessel Fullish.

“The assisting fishing boat was quickly on scene and, on realising the seriousness of the situation, rescued the fisherman and transferred equipment from the boat as it was considered likely to sink.”

The report said that the coastguard was contacted and Fullish went directly to its headquarters to ensure the safety of the fisherman from Attitude Adjustment.

“Unfortunately, Attitude Adjustment is assumed to have now sunk and RCC Bermuda has issued a notice to mariners regarding the floating hazard to navigation,” the report concluded.