EIGHT people on board a 130 ton boat whose engines had failed were rescued as severe gales approached last night (Thursday).

Barrow lifeboat launched at 9.30pm to rescue the disabled wind farm maintenance vessel, 'MV Attender', in the approach to Barrow channel.

The disabled vessel was being assisted by another wind farm vessel which had been unable to make progress whilst towing

At the time the wind was from the south east at 25 knots, with a spring tide high water of 9.9 metres expected just after midnight. 

The Tamar class lifeboat ‘Grace Dixon’, was launched and made good progress against the increasing wind strength and larger waves until she reached the vessel after a five mile journey.

The disabled vessel was successfully moored at Barrow Docks after two hours and the lifeboat returned to station where she was made ready for the next emergency call.

Barrow Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dave Green, said: "The weather forecast was for a severe gale to come in around midnight giving gusty storm force winds and extremely large waves.

"We needed to get there quickly and recover the disabled vessel and her passengers to safety before the onset of that atrocious weather and we are very pleased we were able to do so."