A major air and sea search was carried out in the Solent for a large yacht that was taking on water.

The large scale search for the 70 foot yacht was launched after a mayday call was received by emergency services last night.

The mayday call at 9.45pm informed the UK Coastguard that there were seven on board the vessel with lifejackets and their pumps were not coping.

A number of lifeboats from across the Solent joined in the search.

They were Hill Head Coastguard Rescue Team, two Gosport Inshore Lifeboats, Calshot and Cowes RNLI inshore lifeboats.

The UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Lee on the Solent carried out an extensive search of the area.

A Hampshire Police vessel was also assisting in the operation and South Central Ambulance were notified and put on standby.

The UK Coastguard issued a Mayday relay broadcast to all vessels in the area to maintain a lookout and assist the rescue operation if necessary.

The search was stood down by about 1.10am this morning when nothing was found.