Two men thrown into the sea from their dinghy by a 'freak wave' were saved by an Isle of Wight ferry and coastguard teams yesterday evening (Friday, October 20).

The incident happened in Southampton Water, north of the River Hamble entrance, involving a 21ft dinghy, the Red Jet passenger catamaran and crews from Cowes RNLI lifeboat - who launched at 5.48pm.

Despite fading light, the pair were fortunately spotted by the passing Red Jet clinging to the sides of their capsized boat.

The men swam clear of the dinghy so the Red Funnel ferry could more easily rescue them from the water.

After arriving at Southampton's Town Quay, their condition was fully assessed by the lifeboat crew.

Also waiting at Town Quay were members of the mainland coastguard team from Hillhead.

Meanwhile, the men’s dinghy was brought into port by a Southampton harbour launch.

As a result of the rescue, the 7.05pm Red Jet sailing from Cowes and the 6.30pm crossing from Southampton were cancelled.