Yacht refloated after stranding on surfing beach

The yacht was towed off the beach by a harbourmaster boat

A yacht has been towed off a popular Cornish surfing beach after running aground.

Nearly 24 hours after the yacht became stranded on Polzeath beach, it was towed away on the afternoon high tide.

A Padstow harbourmaster boat crew attached a line to the yacht while RNLI lifeguards kept people away.

The beach was temporarily closed for the operation at about 16:00 GMT.

The yacht became stranded on Tuesday afternoon

Polzeath beach ranger Andy Stewart said rescuers considered trying to refloat the boat overnight but decided to secure it and wait until daylight.

He praised the RNLI and coastguard who arrived on the scene promptly and did "a fantastic job".

Mr Stewart, who helped coordinate the rescue, said: "The yacht was slightly off course and was picked up by the swell, and once the keel had grounded the fate of the boat was sealed."

The yacht has been towed to Padstow harbour for a safety inspection.