BEMBRIDGE RNLI's lifeboat crew had an early shout this morning (Friday) to assist a yacht with no fuel or wind.

The station's Tamar all-weather lifeboat was launched at 4.13am this morning to assist the 41 foot charter sailing yacht, which was on passage from France to the Hamble.

The yacht had run out of fuel and was drifting into the shipping channel about five miles southeast of Bembridge with six crew on board.

A mechanic from the RNLI lifeboat was transferred to the yacht with 20l of fuel.

Having successfully bled the fuel system and got the engine working again, the yacht was able to continue her passage to the Hamble.

After escorting the yacht for a short while to ensure all was in order, the lifeboat returned to Bembridge and was recovered by 5.15am.