Yacht impaled on Norfolk sea defences was sailor's home

A sailor is facing the prospect of losing his home - as his yacht sits impaled on a groyne on the north Norfolk coast.

The owner, who wants to be known only as John, lives on the 43ft boat which he was trying to sail from Hull to the Thames Estuary.

But after getting into trouble close to Cart Gap at Happisburgh, the engine cut out and he found himself crashing into the village's ailing sea defences. He had to be rescued by lifeboat crews.

Two days later, the 25 tonne vessel remains stuck on the groynes and there are fears bad weather forecast for Wednesday could destroy it completely.

Salvage expert Paul Lines, from Great Yarmouth, came to see if he could help but was not feeling optimistic.

People living in Happisburgh have rallied round to help John, who faces losing everything if they yacht cannot be saved.

They have raised money to put him up at the local pub the Hill House Inn while efforts continue to re-float his home.

Landlord and former engineer Clive Stockton is still holding out hope that the boat can be saved - but said time was running out.

Yacht owner John was thrown ashore by the impact of the crash.

He said he was grateful for all the help he had received.