A yacht dragging its anchor due to heavy winds off Dorset had to be towed back to the marina.

Coastguard and lifeboat teams were called after a yacht which had been anchored off Binvleaves after leaving the Portland Marina, had drifted close to the Weymouth Sailing Club due to strong winds.

This happened at 5.15pm on Sunday, February 25 and the yacht was towed back to the marina for safety.

A spokesperson for the Wyke Regis Coastguard said: " At 5.15pm we were tasked along with Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Team and Weymouth Lifeboat to reports of a vessel dragging its anchor.

"The yacht had anchored off Bincleaves after leaving Portland Marina but drifted until the anchor held close to Weymouth Sailing Club in the strong north-easterly wind.

"Despite the skipper stating he was happy, on the grounds of safety it was decided to tow the yacht back to the marina."

A spokesperson for Weymouth Lifeboat said: "We were tasked, following a coastguard request, to assist a 35ft sailboat with one person aboard which was dragging its anchor in Portland Harbour and drifting towards the shore.

"Due to the prevailing conditions; with a strong east-north-easterly wind the all-weather lifeboat was also launched to provide back-up.

"With Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Team & Wyke Coastguard CRT coastguard units in attendance the vessel, which had also shredded its foresail, was assisted safely back into Portland marina, where it was made secure.

"Both lifeboats returned to the station, were stood down and again made ready.

"Even in the relative safety of Portland harbour conditions can change quickly, the sea and weather are a force to be reckoned with and should be respected at all times."