A lifeboat crew was called to rescue a lone yachtsman whose yacht had engine failure.

The Weymouth RNLI all-weather lifeboat Ernest and Mabel was launched to go to the aid of the yachtsman south-southwest of Portland Bill at 8.25pm on Thursday, August 31.

Solent Coastguard had requested the lifeboat to go to his assistance as his boat was left unable to move two-and-a-half miles off the island.

Once on the scene at 8.57pm, coxswain Andy Sargent transferred a lifeboat crew member onto the yacht to assist in passing a tow line over to the stranded boat.

After the line was attached the lifeboat towed the yacht back to Weymouth Harbour, arriving at 10.52pm.

The casualty vessel was safely tied up and the Weymouth lifeboat returned to its berth.