The two men, both aged 18, had left Eastney Cruising Association when their boat – a 12ft Shetland – flipped when it hit a wave. Bystanders on the beach dialled 999 and a helicopter and two lifeboats from Portsmouth and Southsea Voluntary Lifeguards were launched.

The men had begun to swine for the shore, but one was struggling. The pair were plucked from the sea and taken to shore. Both were tired and shaken but otherwise unhurt.

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Lifeguard operations manager Greg Hughes said: “They were really pleased to see us and the helicopter. They were both very thankful.”

Their boat was recovered by Hayling Rescu with help from the lifeguard service and Portsmouth RNLI Lifeboat, which pumped the water out of the Shetland.