A yacht with engine trouble one mile off the Deal coast has been towed to safety by Walmer Lifeboat.

The emergency call out has prompted an appeal by Andy Roberts, publicity officer for the RNLI at Walmer, who would like to see more sea travellers checking their craft before setting off on a journey

He said: "This is a timely reminder to all sailors to ensure they have their engines serviced before the start of the sailing season and to also ensure that there can be no water ingress into the fuel tank."

Walmer’s RNLI lifeboat was called out at 8.25pm on Monday to a report of a 8.5m yacht with engine troubles east of Deal Pier.

The two people on board were on their way from Suffolk to Dover when the vessel developed engine problems.

Mr Roberts added: "She radioed Dover Coastguard for assistance and Walmer RNLI Lifeboat was launched to tow her to the safe haven of Dover Harbour. The Walmer crew returned to station at 10.30pm.

"Although she was a sailing yacht there was a lack of wind so was reliant on her auxiliary power to make headway."

* See page 27 of the East Kent Mercury for a picture story about Walmer Lifeboat Station’s annual open day.