A cross-Channel ferry was involved in drama when it went to the aid of a yacht which sent a Mayday call to say the craft was taking on water.
The Super SeaCat service from Dieppe to Newhaven was diverted to the 47ft Zaramanda on Sunday night.
The British skipper told Dover Coastguard the vessel was sinking but it later emerged he was worried about his wife, who was upset by the rough weather.
A French coastguard helicopter was sent to the scene in mid-Channel as the Hoverspeed ferry stood by.
The woman was winched aboard the helicopter in strong winds and taken to Newhaven as the yacht was escorted in by tug.
A Coastguard spokesman said the yachtsman would be interviewed about the Mayday call.
He said: "The ferry was full of passengers and was alongside for more than 40 minutes.
"It was a strange incident. We were informed the yacht was taking on water but that appears not to have been the case."
No one was injured in the operation to rescue the woman.
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