Strong winds are believed to be responsible for blowing a yacht onto rocks.

The RNLI said the 30ft vessel broke from its moorings and ended up on rocks after being blown by strong south westerly winds last night.

Weymouth inshore lifeboat was launched at 10.30pm to investigate.

A spokesman said: "On scene at 10.40pm in the corner of Portland Harbour near to Bincleaves, the volunteer crew found that a yacht was on the rocks having apparently broken from its moorings in the strong south westerly winds.

"The yacht and the surrounding area were checked for any sign of anyone who might have been on the vessel.

"Once satisfied that no one had been on the yacht, the lifeboat crew left the scene and returned to Weymouth at 11pm, leaving Portland Port or the yacht owners to make a recovery."

Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team was also send to the scene.