Strong winds spark yacht rescue in Solent

Rescue crews were called to the Solent after strong winds blew the sail and mast off a family's yacht.

The 30ft (9m) vessel, crewed by a couple and their teenage son, was sailing during the early hours when it ran into difficulty off Thorness Bay.

Another vessel came to the yacht's aid after the radio stopped working and it relayed messages back and forth to the coastguard.

Cowes lifeboat spent half an hour recovering the mainsail and rigging.

At the time of the dismasting the Solent was being swept by a Force 6 south-westerly, gusting to Force 8.

No-one on board the yacht, which was towed to safety, was injured.