A DRAMATIC river rescue was launched this week after a student rowing crew found themselves stranded on an island in the middle of the Lune.

Pushed along by strong tides, the boat went over the weir at Skerton and, as it broke up, the eight female rowers and male cox were plunged into the cold river.

Four male members of the university rowing club entered the water and swam towards the group in a bid to rescue them.

Two girls and the cox were able to make it to shore, but the rest of the group had to take refuge on an island in the middle of the Lune.

A senior lifeboat officer said the group were lucky to escape more serious injury.

The incident began at 7.15am on Tuesday morning.

The alarm was raised immediately, and the police and ambulance services were called in, along with the coastguard and lifeboat.

Morecambe's inshore lifeboat was taken by trailer to Lune Street, Skerton and launched from there, reaching the stricken crew a few minutes later, returning them to dry land.

All 13 of the people involved escaped without serious injury but were taken to hospital as a precaution.The remains of the boat were later found close to the Millennium Bridge and removed from the river by the lifeboat crew.

Harry Roberts, senior helmsman on the lifeboat which rescued them, said: "There was a lot of fresh water coming down the river and it was lucky that no-one was more seriously hurt.

"The outcome was successful with lifeboat, Lancashire fire and rescue and coastguards working in close co-operation."

Sue Todd, watch manager for Liverpool coastguard, said: " This part of the river would not normally be part of our operational area, but we were pleased to assist.

"The Morecambe Inshore Lifeboat was taken on a trailer to the river, where it launched and began to pick up the students.

"Morecambe Coastguard rescue team were also on scene and assisted with communications.

"All 12 of the students were distressed and mildly hypothermic and were taken to a waiting ambulance then on to hospital.

"The boat broke up and the lifeboat retrieved the pieces and all eight oars and placed them ashore for recovery by the crew."

Lancaster University has pledged to launch an investigation into the incident, but say the team were following strict guidelines set down by the Amateur Rowing Association.