Courageous II wrecked near Padstow: Crew 'in danger' 29 April 2013 Last updated at 15:53 An historic former fishing boat en route to Cornwall to take part in Mayday celebrations has been destroyed after running aground on rocks A historic former fishing boat en route to Cornwall to take part in Mayday celebrations has been destroyed after running aground on rocks. The RNLI said the four-strong crew of the Courageous II were rescued "in the nick of time" as the boat broke up under their feet. The vessel, which is believed to date from the 1940s, ran into trouble just outside Padstow at about 04.45 BST. It had been on its way to the town from its home port of Bristol. The Courageous II has been a regular feature at Padstow's Obby Oss Mayday festival for the past 25 years. Immediate danger Mike England, Padstow lifeboat's mechanic, said: "This was a very speedy rescue as the four men were in immediate danger with the boat literally breaking up under their feet. Fortunately thanks to skilful boat handling in very shallow water we were able to get them off the boat and ashore in minutes and they are all well. They're regular visitors to Padstow, usually appearing for our annual Mayday celebrations and it's very sad to see their boat in such a terrible situation. The vessel was carrying 900 litres (198 gallons) of fuel and coastguards worked with the harbour authority to contain a "small oil slick" coming from the wreck. Wreckage from the 15.2m (50ft) boat has been washed up on a local beach. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has been informed.