Ooops! Double trouble for sailors as their boat gets caught on rocks… then vessel sent to rescue them is stranded too

As if one rescue boat running aground wasn't embarrassing enough, this was the moment when a crew sent to its aid ended up on the rocks too.

The first vessel drifted into difficulties after its engine cut out during a training exercise.

But the fast rescue boat that went to help was also left high and dry when stormy seas forced it on to the rocks just feet away.

Between a rock and a hard place: A North Star Shipping rescue boat, left, went to the rescue of the company's rib Grampian Talisman, right, but both ended up stranded on the rocks in Aberdeen bay

'To the rescue!': The rescue boat was sent to help the Grampian Talisman after its engine failed and it was left drifting helplessly in the bay

Coastguards were called to the scene in Aberdeen Bay, but were soon stood down as the eight crew on board the two boats were able to step ashore.

Engineers considered lifting the craft off the rocks after the incident on Thursday, but decided to wait for high tide to float them back to the harbour.

Both have now been recovered. The boats belong to North Star Shipping, which provides support – including emergency rescues – to offshore businesses.

A spokesman for the firm said yesterday: 'Engine failures unfortunately occur, but the important thing here is that our crew members involved are all uninjured, having handled the situation calmly, effectively and professionally.'

The company says it has saved more than 70 lives in the North Sea over the years.

Oops: Both boats were caught out by the rapidly receding tide and left perched upon the rocks