A major search for a yacht, thought to have run into difficulties en route from Northern Ireland to the United Kingdom, was called off last night (Monday), after the lone yachtsman was found safe and well.

His vessel was spotted by coastguards off Port Erin at the end of an operation coordinated by the Liverpool Coastguard.

A local lifeboat crew went to his aid, but the sailor chose to return by sea to northern Ireland.

It's understood he drifted off course and the alarm was raised after relatives failed to reach him on his mobile phone.

Port Erin lifeboat operations manager Geoff Staples explained how the yacht was located: