A terrified couple were plucked from raging seas after their storm-lashed yacht began to sink during a force eight gale.

A brave lifeboatman dived into the mountainous waves in the dark to rescue one of the crew.

The couple were on board the 33ft yacht Paperchase and were attempting to make the safety of Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne, last night.

However, 50-mph winds and stormy seas made navigating the entrance too perilous and they summoned help.

Before the lifeboat crew could guide them in, the yacht was swamped with water and the couple were washed overboard.

The woman managed to make it to the lifeboat and was pulled aboard but the man was left struggling against the massive waves.

Lifeboatman Dan Guy leapt into the sea and dragged him back to the boat.

Eddie Buckland, spokesman for Eastbourne lifeboat, said: "It was a tricky operation in very difficult conditions.

"The wind was blowing at 46 mph plus and it was dark.

"The yacht was at the entrance to the harbour and the lifeboat had intended to bide its time until the conditions dropped and then help it in. But it didn't work like that.

"Within five minutes of us getting there, the yacht ran aground, became swamped and started to sink and the people on board were knocked into the water.

"The woman made it to the lifeboat herself but the man was in difficulties so Dan went in to get him. It was an extreme case and a brave thing to do."

The lifeboat was launched just before 6.30pm. Conditions at the time were said to be dreadful.

The seven-strong lifeboat crew was led by coxswain Mark Sawyer. Mr Guy is the chief mechanic.

The couple were recovering today at the Eastbourne District General Hospital suffering from shock and possible hypothermia.

Their yacht, which smashed onto the shoreline, was left stranded at the entrance to the harbour. It has since been brought to shore.