Both Lowestoft and Southwold lifeboats were launched just after 5am on Wednesday to come to the aid of a sailing barge.
The crews were tasked to the 19m sailing barge John William, with two people onboard, which after losing her steering had gone aground just north of Southwold harbour.
Unable to get close enough in a falling tide to pass a tow line, two speed line rockets were fired at the barge in an attempt to get a line aboard.
These to both failed so eventually a line was floated over to the barge.
The main tow line was then hauled across and a short time after the John William was pulled clear by the Lowestoft Lifeboat.
On route back to Lowestoft, crew members plus a salvage pump were transferred to the barge by the Southwold lifeboat.
The John William was towed into Lowestoft and safely moored in the Hamilton dock where she was pumped out.
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