Destroyer HMS Southampton has been involved in the rescue of two Spaniards on a yacht.

A request for assistance was made by the 21ft sloop Sparlin on the afternoon of June 18, after the sailing vessel had got into difficulties more than 20 miles to the south of the Isle of Wight, having sailed earlier that day from Yarmouth en route to Cherbourg.

HMS Southampton was around 20 miles from the Sparlin, and hurried to the scene where a rescue was being co-ordinated by Solent Coastguard. The Cetam Vicoriae, a large commercial ferry, was also in attendance.

The Sparlin, crewed by two Spaniards, was found to have damaged rigging and was using foresail and engine.

Lt Cdr Andy Hogben transferred from the Southampton to the Sparlin in the destroyer’s semi-rigid inflatable to assess the situation, and being fluent in Spanish he was able to console the crew and ascertain that, while a little unsettled, they were safe.

Lifejackets, fresh water and seasickness tablets were brought across from the Southampton, which remained on station until the arrival of the Bembridge lifeboat, which escorted the Sparlin back into sheltered waters.

Southampton then returned to Portsmouth, completing a four-week trip around Scotland promoting the Navy and participating in anti-submarine exercises.