A 26-FOOT boat was towed to safety after its engine failed off the Cumbrian coast.

Volunteer crewmen from the RNLI’s Barrow station yesterday (Tuesday) launched their Tamar class lifeboat to go to the assistance of a broken down fishing boat off the south west coast of Walney Island at around 5.15pm.

Liverpool Coastguard requested lifeboat assistance after a radio message was received from the two man crew of the fishing vessel, called ‘Kellen Star’, to say that they had suffered a complete engine failure near to Hilpsford Point, three miles south west of the RNLI station.

The tide was ebbing fast and because the boat weighed at least two tons it was decided to send the powerful all weather lifeboat to tow it.

The crew of the stranded vessel managed to restart their engine and began to motor slowly towards Barrow, but within a few minutes the engine failed for a second time.

The lifeboat reached them within ten minutes and established a tow line. The vessel was taken back to the dock gates where the tow was passed to another vessel and the casualty was placed safely on a mooring.

The lifeboat was then returned to station and rehoused by 6.45pm.