Three sailors whose yacht ran aground had to be plucked from the sea after the RNLI boat that took them off capsized.

The rescue attempt took place off Spurn Head yesterday, Monday. The yacht, Penn Player, put out a Mayday call at 1039 reporting they had gone aground, lost a rudder and had smoke coming from the engine

The Humber RNLI Lifeboat was immediately launched and once on scene the smaller Y-class lifeboat was lowered and went to recover the three yachtsmen. On returning to the offshore boat the smaller inflatable capsized thowing the sailors and lifeboat crew in the water.

Cleethorpes RNLI Inshore Lifeboat proceeded to the area and everyone was safely recovered.

Rescue Helicopter 128 from Leconfield was scrambled and airlifted two of the casualties suffering from shock and hypothermia to Grimsby Hospital.

Humber lifeboat then towed the yacht to Grimsby.

Bev Allen, Coastguard Watch Manager, commented: “The fact that the yacht was able to provide a very concise Mayday call assisted in the rescue of those onboard. This incident showed great team work with all of those involved.”