TWO drunken teenagers caused chaos after taking a yacht at Ocean Village, Southampton, early today, defying police and coastguards.

At the height of the drama, the pair aimed flares at a crew on a launch from Associated British Ports, who were trying to tow the vessel to safety.

The incident was sparked when the pair clambered on board a 22ft vessel shortly after 2am.

The harbour master and coastguards called for police assistance as the pair threatened to cause havoc in the marina.

Initially, the drunken sailors with no boating skills steered the yacht into other upmarket boats and then let the boat drift aimlessly in the harbour.

Police say when the coastguards tried to tow the vessel ashore, they were first met by a barrage of abuse but the drama heightened after the pair grabbed emergency flares.

The incident ended when the police marina unit arrived in the marina. The teenagers tried to get to get away by climbing onto the pier but were caught.

The vessel was eventually towed to safety.

Two people were today being questioned by police, who are appealing for witnesses.