#Seven people were rescued from the Solent after their boat collided with another yacht and sank this afternoon. 

The five men and two women were east of Bramble Bank when their yacht Ino collided with another named Valkyrie it has been reported.

Cowes RNLI lifeboat and Gosport independent lifeboat rushed to the scene and pulled the people out of the water.

The Cowes-based Corby 36 yacht Ino sank very quickly, according to the lifeboat team.

All people on board were wearing lifejackets and were taken to Trinity Landing in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

No-one was seriously injured.

More on this story by the Southern Daily Echo here

Boat owners are being warned of of the lasting consequences of the winter's big freeze and the possible damage to boats on launching this season.

At the most recent meeting of the Irish Branch of the International Institute for Marine Surveying members highlighted a real danger of some boats sinking shortly after being launched due to cracked pipe work on intakes and discharges where fresh water was not drained from cooling and other systems.

Owners and Boat yard employees are reminded to check carefully all pipe work prior to launching boats and immediately when the boat enters the water. Check that all valves are operating correctly. Complete a full check for leaks and monitor the bilge water during the first few hours when the boat has been re-launched.

Engine blocks should also be checked for frost damage prior to staring them. Do not start them if you see fractures, have the engine checked by a marine mechanic if in any doubt whatsoever. Batteries may also be dead and need of replacement due to the severe weather experienced over the Winter months.