Crews from Holbrook Coastguard and the RNLI called out to search for sailor on the river Orwell after he was reported missing by his partner, were relieved to find him fast asleep on his yacht.

The crews were called at 1.20 am this morning to investigate reports of an overdue sailor who had set out from Woolverstone Marina and Lodge Park the previous evening.

The man had left in his tender for his yacht opposite Stoke Sailing Club at Freston but not returned or made contact so his partner raised the alarm.

An inshore lifeboat from RNLI Harwich Lifeboat Station looked for for the yacht or tender but initially neither were found.

A short while later the yacht was located and the sailor was found aboard, asleep safe and well. The Holbrook team updated his partner with the good news and put this down to a false alarm with good intent.

A Holbrook Coastguard spokesman said: "It's always good practice to let someone on land know your plans when out sailing so they can raise the alarm if you don't arrive back when scheduled or make contact. If your plans change be sure to let them know."

In the event of an emergency along our coastline or estuaries or in mud call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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