Five rescued after yacht runs aground in Bass Strait

Five crew members of a yacht that took out Melbourne to Hobart handicap honours had to be rescued after running aground on rocks early this morning.

They were forced to abandon their yacht, Seduction, after it smashed into a rock north east of Hobart about 4.40am. Police managed to pull the group to safety about two hours later

It was heartbreaking end for the crew, after winning the west coast Melbourne to Hobart handicap.

“It was very sudden and we got a hell of a surprise when it happened,” skipper Richard Nichols said.