Racing yacht with 3 sailors onboard rescued off Dorset coast
It was in danger of crashing on to rocks
Three sailors on board on a yacht which had taken part in a prestigious sailing competition have been rescued off the Dorset coast.
The experience crew were on their way back from the 'Around Island Race' off the Isle of Wight, when their engine failed close to rocks near Warborrow Bay.
Spokesperson for Weymouth Lifeboat Station Ken Francis said:
"The crew realised that they were too close to the shore with the very real possibility of being run ashore, anchored the vessel while attempts were made to restart the engine.
"When this proved impossible, they decided to try and sail off of the anchor. However, the force 6-7 winds made this to difficult to do so they sent out a Mayday call to Solent Coastguard.
"On hearing the Mayday, a nearby charter vessel 'Snapper' initially took the yacht in tow but when the lifeboat arrived on scene at 3.12pm the lifeboat took over the tow and brought the yacht back to Weymouth, arriving at 5.20pm, the yacht was berthed at The Cove."