THESE images show a yacht which ran aground off Weymouth in choppy seas and was the subject of a dramatic rescue.

The yacht, with two experienced sailors aboard, was blown onto a reef known as The Mixen near the Stone Pier on Saturday after suffering propeller problems.

It had to be hauled to safety by Weymouth Lifeboat.

The stricken vessel, which had been taking part in a race to Weymouth, was taken to Portland.

An earlier attempt to free the yacht by what is thought to be a safety boat had to be abandoned after the rescuing vessel almost grounded, said Weymouth RNLI.

Ken Francis, spokesman for Weymouth RNLI said: "The 10 metre Maxi yacht the Amy Lou, which was part of a fleet racing from The Solent to Weymouth on Saturday May 2 sent out a 'mayday' message after she ran aground on The Mixen, a reef just outside Weymouth Harbour in front of The Nothe Fort and alongside the Stone Pier.

"The yacht with two experienced sailors onboard apparently got into trouble when the spinnaker sail was being dropped and a rope became wrapped around the propeller. The strong easterly wind soon blew the yacht onto the reef.

"It is believed that a nearby safety boat tried to haul the yacht off but abandoned attempts when she nearly grounded."

Mr Francis added: "Weymouth's RNLI all-weather lifeboat along with the inshore lifeboat and beach lifeguard RIB were launched just before 2pm and were quickly on scene.

"The inshore lifeboat then transferred a tow line from the all-weather lifeboat to the casualty vessel and a tow was established.

"With the inshore lifeboat pulling on a line at the top of the yacht's mast to make her heel over and help to free the keel from the rocks, the all-weather lifeboat hauled the yacht free from the reef.

"Once clear of the rocks and in deeper water, a check was carried out to ensure that no water was entering the vessel before she was taken to Portland Marina where she was lifted out of the water to be inspected for any damage."

The lifeboat returned to Weymouth Harbour at 3pm with the inshore lifeboat following later after taking details.