The RNLI came to the rescue when a 30-foot boat experienced engine failure off the coast of West Cumbria

Just before midnight last night St Bees RNLI volunteers were requested by Belfast Coastguard to go to the aid of a 30-foot boat with engine failure about one mile south of Whitehaven.

As it was late at night and a falling tide, it was decided the safest thing to do would be to tow the vessel to Whitehaven Harbour.

RNLI St Bees confirmed: "The lifeboat crew quickly secured a tow line to the boat and safely towed the vessel to the nearby harbour where they were met by members of Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team.

"The lifeboat returned to the station just after 2:00am where it was washed down and made ready for the next service."