A Stornoway coastguard helicopter made its way to the vessel and winched the men to safety after the yacht's engine failed in 10-metre-high waves and storm force winds.

A Norwegian fishing vessel had earlier failed in an attempt to tow the yacht to safety.

The crew, which is believed to have been coming from America, was taken to Stornoway.

The Irish-registered Dilis had issued a mayday call about 200 miles west of the Benbecula in the Western Isles.

A Royal Air Force Nimrod from Kinloss was scrambled to assess the situation and the fishing vessel kept in regular contact.

Stornoway and Clyde coastguards were both in contact with the crew via the Norwegian fishing boat which relayed information to the emergency services.