A drifting and smoking speedboat, with a crew of four, led to a call out for an RNLI crew, coastguards and passing boats on Sunday night, at around 8.10pm.

Cowes RNLI said none of the four people on the 20ft boat were wearing life jackets, and two had been in the water after falling overboard.

The boat was originally reported to be between Cowes and Calshot, but it was only found after a radio call to nearby craft, including a cruise ship.

It was eventually spotted by the crew of a Red Funnel Red Jet.

Cowes RNLI found the speedboat near the mouth of the River Hamble, with two men and two women on board.

It was towed to the River Itchen, where it was met by Hill Head Coastguards.

A Southampton harbour vessel also attended.