Isle of Wight: Charity swimmers among 14 saved after boat gets into trouble

The boat was found to be taking on water off The Needles

Fourteen people, including fundraisers set to relay swim the Isle of Wight, have been rescued after their boat got into trouble near The Needles.

The crew called the coastguard after the boat rapidly started to take on water at around 06:00 BST.

The coastguard helicopter and lifeboats from Yarmouth and Freshwater were sent to rescue those onboard.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said all 14 were taken off the motor cruiser to the lifeboats and returned to shore.

The swimmers had been set to lap the island to raise money for Cure Parkinson's.

The charity told the BBC the swimmers' support boat "experienced difficulties this morning, but the most important thing is everyone is safe and well".

"We are so grateful to the group for their support of the charity," a spokeswoman added.

Previous reports suggested the craft had hit an uncharted wreck, but the cause of the incident is thought to be still under investigation.

The boat is expected to be recovered by its owners.