A MAN was rescued from a sinking vessel near Northam Bridge yesterday morning.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue were called to rescue a 62-year-old man from the waterside at Quayside Road.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "We were called at 2.49am to Quayside Road to a 62-year-old man whose boat had sunk, and he was rescued from the waterside.

"Three engines and specialist vehicles from St Marys, Redbridge and Lyndhurst attended.

"A short extension ladder was used, and the man was concious and breathing.

"The stop call came 3.11am."

A HM Coastguard spokesperson said: "Just before 3 this morning (November 29) HM Coastguard received a call from the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service requesting assistance after they received a report of a sunk vessel and person in the water, near to Northam Bridge, Southampton.

"Hill Head and Southampton Coastguard Rescue Teams, Hamble Independent lifeboat, HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter based at Lee on Solent, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Police were all sent.

"The helicopter was stood down before arriving as the person was rescued by the fire service."