A major rescue operation took place off the Cornish coast this afternoon, when six people, all believed to be from the same family, were thrown from a speedboat which then ran over them.
Picturesque Padstow Harbour became the scene of a great tragedy as rescue teams frantically tried to save the people who had been mown down by the speeding vessel.
The emergency services near the scene in Padstow, Cornwall, where two people have died in a boat accident
This image from the Padstow Webcam shows police and ambulance services on the quayside following the incident
Three RNLI lifeboats, two coastguard ambulances and two coastguard crews rushed to Padstow Harbour, on the north Cornish coastline, after reports of an out of control speedboat hitting people in the water.
Spokesperson for the coastguard service Jo Rawlings said: 'Six people had been thrown from a speedboat near Padstow harbour.
'The boat was out of control for a short time and had struck a number of those who were in the water. There are a number of serious injuries.'
A runaway speedboat struck a boat in in Padstow harbour, killing two and injuring four others
Search and rescue: Boats in the harbour at Padstow fishing village Cornwall (file picture)
It is understood that the casualties were members of the same family, and were rushed to Derreford Hospital in Plymouth by air ambulance.
Part of the normally bustling Padstow harbour has been cordoned off by police.
The coastguard rescue teams from St Merryn and Polzeath attended the scene, along with search and rescue helicopters from RNAS Culdrose and RMB Chivenor.
The Rock inshore lifeboat and Padstow all weather lifeboats also attended the scene of the tragedy.
At around 7pm on Sunday evening South Western Ambulance Service confirmed two of the passengers had died, who are believed to be a father and son.
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