Three boats are rescued by Gosport lifeboat in one afternoon

The independent lifeboat, based at Stokes Bay, Gosport, was first tasked by the UK Coastguard to help a 26ft boat drifting in Portchester Creek, at around 2pm on Sunday.

Gafirs coxswain Peter Brown said the boat had suffered engine failure and lost power at Portchester lake.

He said: ‘My crewman helped connect a tow and we pulled the cabin cruiser into deeper water and back to her berth in Fareham Creek.’

The lifeboat was then called to Wicor Marine to a blue and white dinghy which was being blown ashore at Bedenham. The crew found the empty dinghy and towed it to Wicor Marine.

Then, at 5pm, the lifeboat was called a 45ft yacht that had suffered engine failure and was aground in Porchester Lake. They towed the yacht to Port Solent Marina.

Mr Brown said: ‘It was a busy and long day for my crew and but we’re delighted we could assist and help these vessels return to safety.’