Coastguard chiefs have blamed rich amateur sailors for their growing workload that bucks the national trend for UK rescue stations.

They say they are taking to the Solent in droves and causing havoc because of their inexperience at sea and cite the case of an amateur powerboat sailor who fell out of his craft leaving it to smash into the Hamble foreshore.

Solent coastguard district controller Bob Woodwark said watch officers were determined to hammer safety messages.

He added: 'It's a matter of great concern that our figures are increasing while figures in other areas are falling.