A family was rescued by a lifeboat crew after their yacht was left stranded in the Channel.

The Dungeness lifeboat was launched just after 8pm to the 15m vessel which had two adults and a child on board.

The yacht which was en route from Holland to Brighton had broken down with engine failure four miles northeast of Dungeness Point.

When the lifeboat The Morrell arrived deputy second coxswain in command Mark Richardson realised there were communication difficulties.

Two crew members were landed on board the yacht to assess the situation and the well-being of the occupants.

They were able to stabilise the stricken boat.

Deputy Coxswain Richardson decided a quick response was needed because of the young child on board.

They towed the vessel back to Dover Harbour.

The Morrell and her crew returned to Dungeness ready for service at 12.30am.