Yacht stranded on beach sparks rescue operation

Rescue services at the scene as the yacht is buffeted by waves on Polzeath beach

A yacht has run aground in north Cornwall, leading to a rescue operation.

The small single-masted boat was seen lying at an angle on the beach at Polzeath as dusk fell.

One man was on board the vessel, but managed to get to shore, the coastguard said.

A refloating operation is expected to start early on Wednesday.

People were seen joining in the rescue attempt after the yacht became stranded

Andy Stewart of Polzeath Beach Rangers said three coastguard teams and two lifeboat crews were involved in the rescue.

"It's lucky that the boat is still in one piece with the swell we have been having," he said.

"If it had run up on the rocks, it would have been a different story."

Holidaymaker Chris Parsons said he saw the yacht in distress on the beach at about 17:30 GMT.

"A lot of people were on the beach joining in the rescue, along with a coastguard vehicle," he said.

"I can't work out how it could have got there other than a motor failure as the wind was very light.

"Everyone's feelings are for the safety and wellbeing of those on board, I've never seen anything like it here."

Polzeath is at the head of the Camel estuary, with the popular harbour of Padstow further up the estuary.