LYMINGTON lifeboat rescued five people stranded aboard a 25ft powerboat that suffered engine failure off Hurst Castle.

Coastguards warned the crew that none of the navigation lights on the powerboat was working, which meant the people aboard would be waving their torches and mobile phones.

The RNLI members noticed two white lights/torches moving at Hurst but they turned out to be fisherman on the bank.

Daily Echo:

Helmsman James Lever and crew scoured the area but were unable to find the powerboat. Coastguards said they thought the vessel was between Yarmouth and Lymington but the search continued to blank.

Mr Lever decided to head back towards Solent Bank, where they finally saw the casualties waving their lights.

A lifeboat spokesperson said: "Once the lifeboat was alongside the motor boat a crew member was placed onboard, following all the required Covid procedures.

"The crew member checked that the five people on board had no injuries, because initial reports suggested one casualty had sustained an injury.

Daily Echo:

"The motorboat was towed back to Lymington where it was met by the coastguard team and an ambulance."

Mr lever added: "It is really important you ensure you and your crew members are prepared for the weather conditions and ensure the boat is equipped should things go wrong."