TWO dinghy sailors were rescued off Keyhaven after getting into difficulties in rough weather.

The crew of the Lymington lifeboat illuminated the area using a white parachute flare, which helped a coastguard mud rescue team find one of the casualties on Monday night.

The lifeboat then located the second casualty, who had been immersed in water and was extremely cold.

Both were rescued by mud rescue teams from Lymington and Hillhead coastguards and placed in the care of South Central Ambulance Service. The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to base.

Helmsman Phil Baker said: "It was great to see all the rescue agencies work together so well.

"It is also really important to ensure you have a means to call the coastguard if you are in difficulty.

"The water temperature is also really cold at this time of year and its important to ensure you have appropriate clothing."