The volunteers of Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI rescued seven grateful fishermen onboard a stranded boat this weekend (Saturday, 11 September).

The stranded fishermen contacted the HM Coastguard after their angling boat sustained engine failure close to the Inner Crouch.

Burnham RNLI was called upon to help by the coastguard at around 4.35pm, as the coastguard received no response to its request for assistance from nearby boats.

The RNLI volunteers launched the Atlantic Class lifeboat 'Tony & Robert Britt' - one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet - in response.

A spokesperson for the Burnham RNLI said: Upon arrival, the RNLI volunteer helm, having assessed the situation, made the decision that the safest way to assist the casualty was to take her under tow.

"A volunteer RNLI crew member boarded the casualty to establish a tow line."

The volunteers then safely towed the boat into Essex Marina, which the spokesperson said was the "nearest safe haven".