An 18ft yacht has been destroyed after running aground along the Essex coast.
A faint mayday distress call was picked up the sailing barge Will from the yacht Emmett, which has two people on board, just after 10.30pm last night.
The skipper of the barge relayed questions to the crew on the yacht until the vessel’s location was confirmed.
Thames Coastguard sent out the RAF Rescue helicopter from Wattisham and RNLI all weather lifeboat and found the yacht on the rocks at Jaywick.
The two men on board were rescued from the yacht on the inflatable Y boat before being transferred to the all weather lifeboat while the rescue helicopter lit up the area.
Neither of the pair required medical attention and were taken back to Walton by the lifeboat.
Clacton Coastguard rescue team ensured the yacht was secured and that the men’s personal possessions were recovered.
The drama was dealt with by just after midnight.
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