Coastguards and lifeboats had to tow a 16-foot yacht to safety after it became stuck on the River Blackwater.

The sailing yacht, with one person on-board, ran into difficulties off Osea Island yesterday evening after its rudder broke.

The Thames Coastguard, West Mersea RNLI and the South Woodham Coastguard attended at 8.15pm to tow the boat into Maldon.