A search for a missing yachtsman ended when he was found trapped between furniture and fixtures on his boat.

The RNLI launched a major search in the Solent area yesterday amid "serious concerns" for the welfare of a lone sailor.

An RNLI spokesperson said: "All that was known was that his yacht had left Chichester Harbour on Saturday and could be anywhere along the south coast, including the Solent.

"However, by coastguards tracking his phone, it was determined his yacht could be in the River Medina or Newtown Creek.

"Cowes lifeboat searched the Medina, but without success.

"Then as a result of a confirmed sighting by the helicopter, it went to Newtown, where Island-based coastguards and an ambulance assembled on Shalfleet Quay.

"On boarding the yacht rescuers found a man trapped between furniture and fittings  in the cabin.

"With the help of RNLI personnel, the crew of a Lepe-based lifeboat and coastguards he was freed and taken ashore to an ambulance.

"Cowes lifeboat returned to station at 9.50 pm."