The two men aboard the River Medina-based yacht, Sea Witch, got into difficulties when their outboard engine failed off Egypt Point, and their anchor could not prevent the boat from being swept westwards by the fast-moving tide.

UK Coastguards were alerted to their plight yesterday by the crew of a motorboat, which stood by until the lifeboat arrived.

The yacht under tow to Cowes. Credit: RNLI/George Chastney

The yacht, described by lifeboat helm Mark Harker as being in a ‘poor condition’, and with neither men wearing lifejackets, was towed to the Island Sailing Club pontoon at Cowes, Isle of Wight.