The RNLI rescued seven people stranded on board a dismasted yacht in near gale force winds on Sunday.

The mast broke in two places, leaving the broken rigging hanging off the deck of the cruiser/racer and close to the propellers. This prevented the crew from using her engines to get back to shore.

The gusting wind and damaged rigging made it difficult for the Calshot RNLI rescue team to place crewmembers aboard the yacht.

After placing the vessels bow to bow, the crew could hop onboard. They secured the loose riggingand crew checked the yacht over. They found she was taking on water but couldn’t find the cause.

A tow was established and the 40ft yacht was towed to the Trinity pontoon at Cowes.