As always in incidents like this, speed of response is crucial. All rescue units did a good job

Bennie Kemble, Swansea Coastguard

The RAF rescue helicopter from Chivenor was scrambled along with the Appledore all-weather lifeboat and Lundy Coastguard Rescue Team.

Three dive vessels in the area - Compass Rose, Neptune and Jessica Hetty - helped rescue the 12 divers from the water.

The RAF helicopter winched a pump down to Our Unity via Compass Rose.

The vessel was then escorted by the Appledore lifeboat towards Ilfracombe Harbour, where Ilfracombe lifeboat took over to escort Our Unity into harbour.

Lundy Island is an isolated haven for wildlife

Bennie Kemble, Swansea Coastguard watch officer, paid tribute to those who helped in the rescue.

"We would like to thank the three skippers of the dive vessels who assisted in this rescue," he said.

"As always in incidents like this speed of response is crucial," he added.

"Locating and recovering 12 people so quickly is no easy task. All rescue units did a good job."