The Lowestoft RNLI lifeboat crew were called to help a small fishing boat that had issued a Mayday call in Lowestoft.

Just before 11am yesterday morning (Wednesday), the lifeboat crew were called to help the boat – which was adrift near to the coast protection breakwater at Lowestoft Ness.

The stranded 21 foot angling boat had suffered engine failure whilst a third of a mile offshore and fearing that they might be swept onto the rocks, the anglers had sent out a call for help that resulted in the town's volunteer lifeboat crew being alerted.

Lowestoft Lifeboat Coxswain John Fox said: 'As the fishing boat was not far away we reached her in minutes.

'The sea was quite choppy and there was a force four southerly breeze blowing.

'Their vessel was pitching and tossing in the waves when we arrived.

'Although not in immediate danger, if they had not had help when they did, the situation could have developed very quickly into something more serious.'

With a tow line connected to their craft, the stranded anglers were soon towed back to the safety of the harbour and moored in the Yacht Basin.