THREE people had to be rescued after the engine of their speedboat failed.

The incident happened on Saturday night.

Weymouth RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched at 9.36pm to reports of a six-metre vessel in need of assistance.

A spokesman for Weymouth RNLI Lifeboat said: “Solent Coastguard reported that the Bayliner speedboat with three persons on board had phoned them to ask for help when their engine failed. The reported position was approximately one mile from Bowleaze Cove.

“The lifeboat arrived on scene at 9.49pm and after establishing that the crew of the speedboat were all safe and well, attached a line and towed the vessel back to Weymouth arriving at 10.18pm.

“With the casualty vessel safely tied up the volunteer crew of the lifeboat returned to station, refuelled and made ready for the next shout.”