Missing yacht skipper found off Gascoyne coast

A yacht skipper missing off the Gascoyne coast who reportedly suffered a serious back injury has been found.

Carnarvon Volunteer Sea Rescue Group commander Noel Gaitskell said the skipper of the vessel Highlander was found by Water Police just after 5.30pm.

Mr Gaitskell said the man had managed to send a text message for help, which was then relayed to the Australian Coast Radio Monitors in Capel about 2pm.

Authorities understand the gearbox on his yacht had blown up and he was anchored in a cove between Carnarvon and Gnaraloo, but his radio and phone were not working.

WA Water Police also contacted landowners in the area to see if they could spot the vessel.