Douglas’s lifeboat crew were called out last night to help a yacht that had suffered engine failure.

The 25-foot yacht with just one person on board had been motoring from Whitehaven bound for Douglas.

Four miles from Douglas harbour, off Clay Head, both fan belts on the yacht’s engine failed leaving the yacht without power and drive at which point the sole occupant radioed for assistance.

In a flat calm sea and with good visibility Deputy Second Coxswain Graeme Cushnie took the all-weather lifeboat, Sir William Hillary, out of Douglas harbour then headed north across Douglas Bay towards Clay Head and the last reported position of the yacht.

The lifeboat towed the yacht to Douglas harbour and a berth on the Battery Pier where Douglas Coastguard were waiting to help.