A HAMPSHIRE ferry crew rescued two teenagers who were thrown into the Solent when their dinghy capsized.

The crew of the Wightlink vessel Wight Sky went to the boys' aid after their craft tipped over outside the entrance to the Lymington River yesterday evening.

Captain Dave Booker was alerted when a passenger spotted the teenagers in the water near their upturned craft.

He told colleagues to recover them using the ferry's rescue boat and take them safely to shore.

He also informed Solent Coastguard and Lymington's inshore lifeboat was scrambled to assist as well as salvaging the dinghy.

Coxswain Nick Street and rating Doug Bedford were on board the rescue boat.

Captain Booker said: “We regularly carry out emergency drills but rescuing people in real life is another matter.

"My crew worked together efficiently and professionally to recover the boys and take them back to shore. I am very proud of them all.”

Wightlink's chief executive Keith Greenfield added: “I congratulate the crew of Wight Sky who took such took prompt action to ensure the young boys’ safety.”