SWANAGE RNLI were called to assist a yacht drifting towards cliffs earlier this morning.

An all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was requested after winds dropped and the vessel began to struggle against the tide. The yacht had previously been making way under sail and the skipper had explained to HM Coastguard that there was no fuel on board the boat.

The yacht was reported to be between Durlston and St Albans Head: the ALB launched quickly and made contact with the yacht. Once contact had been established, the skipper advised they intended to head to the Solent with their spinnaker up if they could arrange for the yacht to take on fuel.

The lifeboat informed the skipper of the services of Sea Start - a maritime breakdown service -  and contact was established to arrange assistance. With fuel provisions arranged, and the vessel safely underway, the lifeboat was freed to return to station.