St Bees RNLI were called to rescue a yacht suffering from engine failure on Friday night (July 5). 

The lifeboat crew was alerted at 9.30pm by the HM Coastguard when the yacht with a crew of four ran into trouble. 

It was sailing from Ramsay to Whitehaven.

Upon reaching the distressed yacht at 11.40pm, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation.

St Bees RNLI preparing to launchSt Bees RNLI preparing to launch (Image: RNLI/Joseph Raymond)

Given the rising tide and difficulties the yacht faced under sail, it was decided to tow it to the safety of the Whitehaven Harbour to avoid posing any risk to the yacht's crew or other vessels.

Dick Beddows, lifeboat operations manager for St Bees RNLI Lifeboat, said: "We're grateful that the yacht's crew recognised that they were in danger and alerted the Coastguard at the earliest opportunity before the situation could potentially worsen.

"If you do get into difficulty when out on the water, call 999 and ask for the coastguard," he said. 

Following the rescue, the lifeboat was returned to the station at 2am and was service-ready by 2.30am.