A man was rescued after being swept from a yacht this afternoon.

The coastguard helicopter hovered overhead as RNLI rescue boats tried to reach the man who was caught in towering waves off Brighton Marina.

A mayday call was sent out at about 1.20pm today.

The Brighton inshore lifeboat and the offshore lifeboat from Newhaven were able to escort the yacht – called Lady Cilla – to safety.

The man has now been taken into Brighton Lifeboat Station and is being treated by paramedics.

It is believed he is suffering from slight hypothermia and shock.

The coastguard said they are pleased the rescue has been a success.