A LIFEBOAT was launched to tow a broken down fishing boat back to safety last night.

A volunteer crew for Lyme Regis' RNLI lifeboat came to the rescue to tow a 18-foot leisure fishing boat which developed engine failure near Thorncombe Beacon.

There was said to be one person aboard the broken down fishing vessel.

A spokesman for the RNLI said: "The boat developed engine failure near Thorncombe Beacon, between West Bay and Golden Cap.

"The RNLI crew towed the casualty vessel into West Bay harbour.

"The lifeboat crew launched at 8.25pm and returned to Lyme Regis lifeboat station 9.30pm."