Four people and 22 animals rescued from river

Several people and 22 animals have been rescued after a boat ran aground and sank in a town centre river overnight.

One person was taken to hospital with minor injuries after the boat started to take on water in the River Great Ouse in King's Lynn, Norfolk at about 22:00 BST on Tuesday.

Three other people were on board, along with 15 dogs, three cats, two parrots, a snake and a tortoise which an RNLI Hunstanton crew reported rescuing.

The four people were assessed by paramedics after an "emergency evacuation was conducted", an HM Coastguard spokesperson said. The fire service was also in attendance as well as the East of England Ambulance Service and the coastguard.

An HM Coastguard spokesman explained: "HM Coastguard was called to reports of a vessel taking on waters after coming aground in King's Lynn Harbour with multiple persons and animals aboard.

"Coastguard rescue teams from Hunstanton and Sutton Bridge were sent, alongside Hunstanton RNLI lifeboat and an RNLI Hovercraft and an emergency evacuation was conducted.

Three fire crews and a surface rescue boat were sent to the scene via Ferry Lane at 03:32 and were stood down at 06:26 after helping pass four people into ambulance care.

A Hunstanton RNLI spokesman said: "Two men and two women were taken off the vessel by the hovercraft before the crew returned to attempt to rescue animals which were on board.

"They saved 15 dogs, three cats, a snake, two parrots and a tortoise.

"By 04:15, the boat had sunk."

A spokeswoman confirmed Norfolk Police was made aware of the incident but did not attend.

It is not clear where the animals were taken. The RSPCA has been contacted.

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