THE Weymouth RNLI all-weather lifeboat was called to assist a 21ft angling vessel with engine failure, which was stranded 11 miles west of Portland Bill.

Solent Coastguard requested the RNLI attend, and the lifeboat Ernest and Mabel was launched at 9.15am today.

It reached the stricken vessel, which had two people onboard, at 10.30am.

An RNLI spokesman explained: "A line was passed and the boat was towed back to Weymouth Harbour.

"Arriving at 12.50pm the lifeboat put the angling boat on a berth outside the harbour master's office.

"Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team attended to help tie the vessel up and to offer safety advice to the two fishermen."