A FATHER and his heavily-pregnant daughter were pulled to safety as their 30ft yacht – and only home – was battered onto rocks by heavy seas and strong winds.

Clive Gilbert and his daughter Rachel, who is seven months pregnant, were returning to Cornwall from the Isles of Scilly when disaster struck on Sunday afternoon.

Their yacht – the Vinca II – was driven onto rocks at Kennack Sands, on the Lizard Peninsula, by the rising ride and strong easterly winds after it suffered engine problems at around 4pm.

As members of the public dialled 999 to alert coastguards, senior RNLI lifeguard Dave Scott waded out to the yacht which was being hit by waves side on.

He helped Rachel to the shore through the waist-deep water before returning for her father who was persuaded to leave the stricken vessel.

Shaken and wet through, Rachel was taken to the lifeguard station where local cafe owners provided hot drinks and a change of clothes.

Many of their personal possessions were washed overboard and left scattered on the shore. "It was a really, really sad situation," Mr Scott said, "but it was amazing how everyone worked together."

Tony Marsland, from Porthoustock Coastguard Search and Rescue Team, said attempts by several local people to save the yacht were "thwarted by the location and sea conditions".

He added: "The RNLI lifeguards and coastguards had to assist in the evacuation of the would-be salvors.

"While the crew were being attended to by the lifeguards, an attempt was made by the coastguards to minimise damage to the yacht.

"With the assistance of members of the public, the vessel was gradually swung on a line that had been secured aboard lessening the beating the boat was suffering by being broadside to the sea.

"Gradually the yacht was coaxed further ashore on the rising tide to eventually rest just below high water mark. It had, however, taken a severe beating on the shore and was starting to break up with equipment and belongings washing off and out of the hull."

Coastguards later had to rescue three people who had been helping to save the yacht before they were cut off by the incoming tide.

Officers then remained at the scene throughout the night to make sure nothing was taken from the wrecked yacht while Mr Gilbert and his daughter were cared for overnight by Porthoustock coastguard station officer Bill Penman.

They returned to survey the remains of the vessel, which is normally moored in Fowey, yesterday morning. They were too upset to talk to the media. Mr Marsland said Mr Gilbert and his daughter were "obviously extremely distressed by the loss of a much loved boat and a considerable amount of their personal possessions".

However, Mr Marsland said the yacht owner had "praised the lifeguards, coastguard, members of the local community and the Roberts family from Kennack Sands Beach Cafe, for their committed service, dedication to duty, and heartfelt concern shown to him and his daughter".

The pair had been sailing for the Helford River before making the final leg of their journey to Fowey. Cornwall Council are helping to find them emergency accommodation. Last night they were staying with the Roberts family.

Gloria Roberts said: "The sea conditions were fine when they left the Isles of Scilly but when they came round [The Lizard] they were straight into it and the boat came onto the rocks.

"Last night they managed to beach it but it is badly holed. It is a total write-off."

Mrs Roberts said the situation had then been made worse by people allegedly stealing items off the Gilbert's boat, or from the shore. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that they were investigating.