A luxury yacht which left Brighton after years in the marina has sunk shortly after being sold.

The Astor, one of the largest yachts in the marina, had previously sat there for several years but was sold in January.

However, after sailing in waters near Rye shortly before Easter, the yacht capsized with the crew needing to be saved by a coastguard helicopter.

Lifeboat crews also attended the scene of the incident and rescued a dog from the vessel. They reunited the dog with its owner on the shore.

A spokeswoman for the coastguard said: “HM Coastguard coordinated the rescue of two people and a dog from a sinking vessel off Hastings at approximately 5pm on Thursday, April 6.

“Eastbourne and Hastings RNLI lifeboats, the search and rescue helicopter from Lydd and Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Team, were sent, alongside East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

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“The helicopter recovered the casualties before Hastings RNLI lifeboat attended the sinking vessel to ensure no one remained aboard, they were able to bring the dog to shore.”

The boat was pictured during the rescue with the stern submerged in the water.

Photographs of the boat at the time of the sale showed the luxury interior including two double beds and a large living area with a sofa and table.

The exterior of the boat includes a covered deck area with chairs and sliding doors into the interior of the boat.

The boat, a Vitech 90 type dating back to 1993, was estimated to be worth between £100,000 and £450,000.

Previously the broker for the boat sale said: “Her sale involved reaching out globally and finding the right person, who wants to return her to her former glory - this involved much assistance by the broker in assessing engine and powertrain condition, to ensure that the purchaser was completely happy and knew exactly what he was purchasing before he bought her.”

It is unknown whether the vessel was recovered or whether it sunk to the bottom of the sea.