RESCUERS are reminding people to ask for the coastguards when calling 999 after a sailor was nearly blown on to a breakwater.

The sailor was piloting his 22ft yacht Rapunzel from Weymouth to Portland when the engine failed outside Weymouth Harbour.

He called the police on his mobile instead of the coastguard, which lost valuable minutes in the rescue operation.

Strong southerly winds were blowing the yacht on to the rocks close to Stone Pier and The Nothe Fort on Sunday evening.

A spokesman for Portland Coastguard said: “He was just outside the harbour and in danger of being swept on to the breakwater by the high winds.

“He called 999 and asked for the police. It delayed it, by the time the police said they were unable to help.”

He added: “The inshore lifeboat was launched to get him.”

The yacht was brought back to Weymouth Harbour.

The coastguard spokesman said: “If in doubt call 999 and ask for the coastguard. The police cannot help you if you are at sea.”