Lowestoft lifeboat has been called to assist a motor cruiser, after concerns were raised for the boat's safety.

The call came in 1.35pm today (Sunday) after the vessel – a 40ft motor cruiser called Seadew – was 'taking on water in the lumpy seas,' according to a spokesman for the RNLI Lowestoft lifeboat.

It is thought the motor cruiser had two people on board and was taking on water two miles east of the harbour entrance in Lowestoft.

With the voluntary crew having already assembled at the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club for presentations at lunchtime, the lifeboat was quickly launched.

Coxswain John Fox said: 'With the vessel calling the coastguard for help, the Pioneer – a crew transfer vessel – was nearby, and responded to the call by offering help.'

Lowestoft lifeboat and the Pioneer subsequently escorted the vessel through the choppy seas. Mr Fox said: 'The motor cruiser was two miles east of the harbour entrance, with the waves breaking over the bow.'

Eventually, with the escort, the vessel was able to make its way under its own steam into port, safely arriving at the trawl dock in Lowestoft at about 2.15pm.