Peel lifeboat was launched last night (Saturday)at 11 40pm to assist a 41ft cruiser one and a half miles north east off Peel.

The cruiser, on passage from Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland to Peel, with three people on board had already been assisted earlier in the day by Donaghadee lifeboat.

The cause of the breakdown was thought to be fuel related and the crew had dropped anchor close to Peel.

Peel coxswain Chris Kelly passed two of the volunteer crew over to the cruiser who then assisted in raising the anchor and establishing a tow line to bring the vessel safely to Peel.

The lifeboat was then recovered and was back on station by 1,30am.

A spokesman for the lifeboat said the three people on board the cruiser were TT race fans.