TWO people had to be rescued from the waters off Hampshire after their fishing vessel sank in the Solent.

Calshot Lifeboat were tasked by UK Coastguard to rescue the pair of fishermen who were forced to abandon their boat in water near Titchfield Haven yesterday morning.

The lifeboat was assisted by Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) at about 11am who took 90 minutes to complete the operation.

Calshot lifeboat recovered the stranded crew from the water while Gosport’s independent lifeboat secured the sinking 30ft Dory fishing vessel.

GAFIRS coxswain Pete Byford said: “When we arrived on scene, Calshot lifeboat had just pulled the fishing vessel’s crew from the water.

“There was debris from the boat strewn across the water which we picked up and then worked to secure the stricken vessel to our lifeboat.

“The boat was well under the water and sinking fast so we took the boat under tow and returned it to dry land at Daedalus slipway with the help of our shore based rescue team.”

Calshot Lifeboat returned the casualties to land at Warsash Marina where they were met by paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service.

A spokesman for UK Coastguard said: “Something was wrapped around the propeller. The pair went to investigate and when they did so they upset the balance and water came on board. When that happened they jumped into the water.”