COWES RNLI lifeboat went to assist a couple aboard a 26-foot yacht yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), which had lost its mad in strong Solent winds.

The dismasting happened east of East Lepe Buoy.

Although the crew had an engine, they feared the trailing rigging could easily become entangled in the propeller, so they dropped anchor and radioed the coastguard for assistance.

After launching at 5pm, the lifeboat arrived on the scene ten minutes later.

Some of the lifeboat crew went aboard the yacht to help lift the mast and rigging onto the deck.

Then, with the yacht able to proceed under its own power, it was escorted to Trinity Landing in Cowes.