A SAILOR was rescued by lifeboat crews after his yacht’s mast was “lost” several hours earlier.

The National Coastwatch Institution at Peveril Point in Swanage called the UK Coastguard when a small yacht was spotted that “seemed to be in distress” at around 11.00am on Monday, November 15.

The UK Coastguard requested Swanage lifeboat crews launch to investigate and assist.

An RNLI spokesperson said: “The volunteer crew mustered and launched, coming alongside the dis-masted yacht less than 10 minutes later.

“The solo sailor on board explained that he had lost the mast several hours earlier, had motored to try to make land, but his outboard had also failed.”

According to the RNLI, the casualty was taken on board the lifeboat while two crew members boarded the small yacht to establish a tow.

Following this the yacht, which was described as in need of some repair, was towed by crews to Poole Harbour.

The spokesperson added: “A couple of hours later the lifeboat took the casualty into Poole Quay yacht haven where the skipper was met by Poole Coastguards, who were able to help make repair arrangements and offer some words of advice.”

Once the casualty was alongside safely, the lifeboat was returned to Swanage.