X Factor Judge Cowell Helps Stricken Yacht

Music mogul Simon Cowell has come to the rescue of nine people on board a sinking boat in the Mediterranean.

The 52-year-old X Factor judge received a mayday message while he was holidaying on his yacht in the South of France with his ex-girlfriend Sinitta.

The former pop star tweeted about the rescue off the coast of St Tropez.

She wrote: "Just had a mayday message, 35ft boat sinking. Simon has sent us to help and rescue nine people on board!"

According to media reports, Cowell ordered that his yacht be steered over towards the stricken vessel before sending out a smaller boat with Sinitta on board to help.

The Daily Star reported Cowell's crew then helped pump water out of the sinking yacht.

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

This is not the first time the X Factor star has been hailed a hero.

He previously used his private jet to help a stranded father-to-be witness the birth of his child.