People News

Simon Cowell stages sea rescue

Aug 30, 2012, 8:01 GMT

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell rescued nine people stranded at sea yesterday (29.08.12).

The 52-year-old music mogul came to the aid of passengers on a sinking yacht off the South of France coast after receiving a May Day distress call.

The 'X Factor' boss - who was holidaying with his ex-girlfriend Sinitta in St. Tropez - ordered the captain and crew of his private vessel to stage a rescue mission and bring the passengers back to his luxury boat.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: 'He only did what any good person would do.

'If his yacht was in trouble he would want someone to come to his rescue. It was just lucky they happened to be close by.'

Simon sent out a smaller boat to ferry them across and his staff helped pump water out of the stranded vessel, called Slipstream.

Sinitta updated fans with a detailed account of the recue mission, writing on twitter: 'Just had a mayday message, 35ft boat sinking. Simon has sent us to help and rescue 9 people on board!'

She later added: 'Everyone ok, no-one hurt. Captain won't let boat sink, petrol in sea etc. No tide, so hole plugged!'

Simon previously came to the rescue of a stranded father-to-be in February by giving him a lift in his private jet so he could witness the birth of his first child.