Four sailors were rescued off the coast of Northern Ireland on Tuesday after their 32ft yacht was at risk of dismasting in rough conditions.

Belfast coastguard was alerted to the crew’s situation after a Mayday call reported that their sail was blowing dangerously out of control at Torr Head.

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Volunteers from Red Bay RNLI launched to assist the yacht in force six winds and three metre swells.

Once on scene, the rescue team immediately put two crewmen onboard the yacht to provide assistance, and also requested that Larne RNLI attend.

It was a struggle for the volunteer crewmen to cut away the rigging as the vessel continued to broach in heavy seas.

They eventually managed to bring the yacht under control and moved to calmer waters, before escorting the vessel towards Garron Point, where it was met by Larne RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat.

Red Bay RNLI helm Paddy McLaughlin said: “This was a particularly challenging call out this evening given the weather conditions and the fact that the yacht’s sail was flapping so dangerously.

“Thankfully, our crew who are highly trained and skilled were able to cut the rigging and make the yacht safe. The four people onboard the yacht are now returned to dry land where they are safe and well.”