Two jet skiers were treated in hospital for the onset of hypothermia after they were rescued by a fishing boat.

The Maryport-based vessel Flixi, skippered by Tom Watson, came to the men's aid after spotting red distress flares shortly after 9pm on Saturday.

Three men on two jet skis had set off from Harrington but two of them ended up in the water when their jet ski partially sunk.

A search for the men, who are understood to be local, was already underway after a former coastguard reported finding two cars with trailers parked on the slipway at Harrington, but with no sign of the jet skis or the occupants.

Initially coastguard teams from Maryport and Whitehaven searched the coastline between Maryport and St Bees and then, with light fading, Maryport Inshore Rescue Boat and Workington Lifeboat were launched.

The third man, who was still on his jet ski, had stayed with his friends and released the flares to attract attention.

The two casualties were taken on board the Flixi, which also escorted the second jet ski ashore.

Once back in harbour, the casualties were taken by ambulance to the West Cumberland Hospital.

It was the second time the coastguard had been involved incidents on Saturday.

Earlier that day, an off-duty coastguard was forced to issue a warning to two teenagers about the dangers of climbing on the cliffs at Kells, Whitehaven.

The coastguard came across a group of youngsters who were screaming on top off the cliff.

As they got closer they saw the teenagers urging two friends below to come away from the edge and climb back up. Neither was hurt.

A spokesman said: "Another dog walker ahead had already stopped to talk to the teenagers.

"Our team member took the opportunity to have a friendly word with the lads and make them aware of the risks they were putting themselves in.

"Thankfully they saw the error in their ways and that their friends were trying to talk them back up out of danger."