A US Coastguard aircraft has spotted a motor yacht that had been missing since yesterday afternoon.

The six-strong crew of Yacht Hop was forced to divert into Bermuda after an engine fire.

But they had not been heard of since 3pm yesterday when they relayed their position to the US Coastguard.

As a result a US Coastguard C130 arrived off Bermuda today and began searching the waters around the island.

The aircraft located Yacht Hop approximately 50 miles east of Bermuda at 3.10pm.

It was confirmed that everyone on board was well and the initial fire had been put out.

The yacht is expected to arrive in Bermuda at around 10pm this evening.