Eight Antiguans are safely back on shore after being rescued Monday morning when the vessel they were travelling on began sinking while returning to Antigua from St. Kitts.

The passengers were approximately 19 miles off Antigua when the boat became distressed, prompting a rescue operation.

Owner of Aventure Antigua, Eli Fuller, responded after receiving reports of the emergency. Fuller said he arrived in time to see the passengers attempting to climb aboard a nearby ship before he and his team brought them safely onto their vessel and transported them to Antigua.

The Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) team and the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard also assisted in the rescue effort.

All eight passengers were reported to be shaken by the ordeal but escaped without injury.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Eight Antiguans Rescued After Boat Begins Sinking Off Antigua.