LIFEBOATS searched the Solent after trainee sailors became trapped at sea.

The Gosport-based Commodore Yachting training vessel Emerald Star was unable to return to shore after its engines broke because the tide was too strong and there wasn’t enough wind.

The RNLI team at Cowes rescued the crew of five and towed the 40ft yacht into Cowes Yacht Haven between 8.50pm and 9.45pm on Sunday night.

When the instructor and four trainees arrived on the Isle of Wight they realised the engine had overheated because seaweed had got caught inside it.

After a quick repair, they sailed back to Gosport where the yacht is based.