A YACHT that broke down near Ryde Harbour was towed to safety by coastguard crews this afternoon (Wednesday).

The UK Coastguard alerted Ryde Inshore Rescue shortly after 1pm, after the man aboard the yacht called for help as he was drifting towards Ryde Pier.

Crews from Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team and Calshot RNLI Lifeboat were also called to the scene.

The man, who was unharmed, was safely on shore by 1.15pm and taken to the lifeboat station to be checked over.