A RESCUE mission was launched after a yacht ran aground off the Hampshire coast.

The 30ft vessel hit a mud bank just outside the entrance to Fareham Lake and was listing at a 45 degree angle with two people on board.

Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service was called to help the boat, which had been stuck for about six hours by 6pm yesterday.

GAFIRS coxswain Brian Pack said: “With the tide rising it was only a matter of time before the boat was afloat again, however the problem lay with the kedge anchor.

“Unfortunately not only was the yacht aground but it had also fouled its anchor which made towing the stricken vessel free quite tricky.

“However, my crew worked hard and we soon had the vessel afloat again and on its way.”

The GAFIRS crew towed the yacht and helped the shivering sailors back to shore at Haslar Marina.