A lone yachtsman without a radio had to use his mobile phone to call for help from the lifeboat.

He was suffering from fatigue and his boat's engine had failed and he was lost prompting the rescue mission last night.

It has led to a safety warning from RNLI coxswain Stuart Adams to remind people to make sure they have a VHF radio before going to sea.

The UK Coastguard took the call from the stricken sailor at 11.02pm who dispatched Dungeness lifeboat to find the yacht.

The Morrell, commanded by Mr Adams, launched quickly and located the vessel, six miles south of Rye Harbour and a crew member was put on board.

The crew from the Shannon class boat made sure the casualty was safe and well and made him comfortable.

The yacht was towed to Dover Harbour and the lifeboat left at 3.34am to return to the station.

Mr Adams said: "The RNLI’s community safety teams always recommend any vessel going to sea should have a VHF radio on board."