Mirabella V, Joe Vittoria’s 246ft Ron Holland-designed yacht launched earlier this year has dragged ashore on rocks in the St Jean Cap Ferrat area of the French Riviera.

The sloop, built by Vosper Thornycroft at Southampton, put out an emergency call requesting assistance from other vessels.

She had apparently run onto rocks near the entrance to Beaulieu sur Mer harbour, having dragged her anchor. Winds are reportedly Force 6-7 and Mirabella is on a lee shore.

Female crew aboard the boat have been evacuated, there are reports of oil and debris indicating hull damage and there are now some fears regarding the potential loss of the mast which measures 293ft.