A LIFEBOAT crew was tasked to rescue a boat which had suffered engine failure.

A Weymouth RNLI lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard at 3.12am on Monday, September 12, to help a 35ft catamaran in difficulties in the water.

Three people were on board the boat which had suffered engine failure and was unable to steer.

The lifeboat crew were able to tow the vessel back to Weymouth just after 6.30am.

A spokesman for Weymouth Lifeboat said: "At 3.20am the Weymouth RNLI lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard to assist a 35ft catamaran in difficulties 10.5 miles SW of St Alban's.

"The craft had suffered engine failure and was unable to steer a course other than downwind. There were three people on board.

"The Coastguard had been monitoring the situation for some time before requesting help from the volunteer crew who towed the vessel back to Weymouth arriving back just after 6.30am.