AFM patrol boats this evening rescued 46 people off the Captain Morgan schooner Fernandes, which hit a reef off Bahar ic-Caghaq.

The incident happened at about 8.45 p.m. close to the Splash and Fun park.

36 passengers were transferred to the AFM rescue launch Melita 1 and taken to the AFM Maritime Base at Hay Wharf while 10 were taken to shore on dinghies. An Austal-class patrol boat was also on the scene.

The crew of the 26-metre schooner remained on board and appeared to have saved the vessel, which was later beached closer to the shore near the caravan site. Pumps were taken on board to control rising water.

A police spokesman said all on board were safe and no one was injured although two were taken to hospital for checks.

Units from the Civil Protection Department gave assistance on shore.

The Fernandes is popular for evening cruises as well as cruises to Comino during the day.