A LOCAL RNLI team launched last week after a boat hit aground and sank in Weston Bay.

Crews were called to Weston Bay at around 3.21pm on Tuesday, September 26.

Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson from Weston's RNLI team said: "Crew were paged at 15:21 on Tuesday, September 26 to reports of a ‘Mayday’ from a sailing vessel aground in Weston Bay.

"The vessel had been aground since the early hours of Monday morning.

"Both Weston-super-Mare RNLI inshore lifeboats were deployed. On arrival the owner of the vessel had abandoned ship and was able to get back ashore safely.

"The boat was overwhelmed by the incoming tide and eventually sank.

"Both boats stood off as they were unable to offer any assistance and the casualty was no longer in danger.

"Lifeboat Operations Manager Chris Ware confirmed: 'The owner had gone back onboard in an attempt to refloat the boat, but unfortunately it was overwhelmed by the incoming tide.

"'It’s distressing and upsetting to see a vessel sink but we are glad the casualty was able to return to the beach safely and no one was injured.'"