A STRANDED yachtsman was rescued after becoming disorientated in poor weather off the Dee estuary.

Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood was launched in the early hours of Wednesday morning, following a call from the skipper of the ketch Michette that it was in difficulties.

The 9.4 metre ketch was on passage to Liverpool and had been anchored overnight in Hilbre Pool on the leeside of Hilbre Island.

After leaving the anchorage on the rising tide, the vessel encountered freshening winds near the extension to the Burbo windfarm off the North Wirral coast.

Hoylake lifeboat volunteers reached the stranded boat within half an hour.

A crew member was put on board the ketch to help secure a towline and the tow was underway before 6am.

The lifeboat entered the River Mersey at around 7.30am and then proceeded to moorings at Tranmere where the boat was safely secured about two hours later.

Lifeboatman Dave Mackenzie said: "The yachtsman was very competent and well-equipped. He made the right decision to call for assistance early.

"We were able to come to his aid rapidly and help him before the situation deteriorated and became much more serious."