A 57-year-old man was rescued from a fishing vessel that was at risk of sinking off Dover Harbour last night (Tuesday).

At 1.15am there was a mayday request for urgent assistance from a fishing vessel that was taking on water and suffering engine failure, about 15 miles from Dover Harbour.

The small blue fishing boat was found within the busy separation zones in the Channel.

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UK Border Force’s Cutter Valiant rapidly diverted from its routine patrols in the English Channel and was the first on scene.

The crews rescued one male casualty from the small vessel and assessed the nature of the call.

Dover RNLI’s Severn class Lifeboat was on scene by 2.15am to aid HMC Valiant with the vessel and casualty.

James Clapham, Coxswain for Dover RNLI said: “Once HMC Valiant was on the scene it was determined only the assistance of Dover RNLI was required.

"We took transfer of one 57-year-old male into our care and diverted our attention to recovering the small vessel he was aboard.

“The man had been at sea on his own since 5pm yesterday evening, a very long duration to be on your own in such a busy Channel, we recommend you always have extra support on board when making such long journeys and travelling at night."

Due to previous health conditions of the casualty, Dover RNLI requested support from SECamb to give the male a welfare check once they returned to Dover Harbour at 5.15am. The man was deemed well and discharged by paramedics with no need for further treatment.

Dover RNLI Press Officer Ed Baker said: “This proved to be a sleepless night for a large number of our volunteer crew members and once again showed great multi-agency co-operation getting to the distressed vessel quickly."