Rescued once, luxury cruiser Libertad washed up on beach

GALE force winds caused a luxury motor cruiser to break free of its moorings and end up shipwrecked on Alderney's Braye Beach.

The Libertad had been towed 15 miles to Braye Harbour by the island's lifeboat three weeks ago after developing problems with its fuel pump.

The 18ft boat was being delivered by a crew from south-west France to Hamburg for its German owners.

On Saturday night, the vessel was battered by gale force nine north-easterly winds, with gusts measuring storm force 10. It became detached from its moorings and drifted into Braye Bay, where it is now resting.

Harbour master Steve Shaw described how the cruiser's cushions and fittings were washed ashore onto Braye Beach.