Cromer's all-weather lifeboat Lester was launched after the lone crew member aboard the fishing vessel, Rory James called the UK Coastguard to report engine problems.
With only one member of crew on board the fishing boat, with a moderate sea and winds blowing at force three in a westerly direction, help was needed, an RNLI spokesman said.
Soon Cromer's lifeboat was heading to the scene, about three-and-a-half miles off Trimingham, to give support and advice on returning to Cromer.
John Davies, RNLI coxswain for Cromer's RNLI Lifeboat, said: 'Being a local fisherman and knowing others who fish in local waters, I was pleased to be able to respond so quickly on behalf of the RNLI.'
The call came in from the coastguard at about 11.40am on Wednesday, April 12 and Lester had returned to the main boathouse and was made ready for its next launch by 12.25pm.
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