TWO people were rescued by a New Brighton lifeboat crew last night after their fishing boat broke down on the River Mersey.

The station's 85 lifeboat B-837 Charles Dibdin was launched at 5.28pm, following a call from the Coastguard that the vessel had engine failure in the Rock Channel.

When reaching the 16 foot vessel, the crew found the the tide was going out quickly and they were in shallow water.

Recalling the rescue, senior helmsman Dave Lowe said: "When we reached the vessel it had been taken in tow by a passing boat, the outgoing tide meant that we were in shallow water so needed to take over the tow quickly otherwise there was a danger of becoming grounded until the tide came back in.

"As the weather was warm and the sea calm we had taken an additional and new crew member with us for training. We put two crew on the fishing boat and brought it into New Brighton beach to awaiting beach crew.

"It turned out that they had been fishing for quite a time but their engine failed to restart and they drained two batteries in the attempt”.

He added "It is important for anyone going to sea that their craft is fully sea worthy, with appropriate safety equipment on-board including auxiliary engine and lifejackets should be worn at all times.

"A person's clothing should be appropriate for the conditions and plenty of drinking water is carried especially in this weather.

"It is also very important to take note of and take action on any professional advice given.”

Lifeboat operations manager Graham Sale said "It's good to see people out enjoying the sea and sun however its been a hectic few days for our volunteers and not to forget very disruptive for their supportive families.

"Its still important to remember that the sea can be a dangerous place even when the sun is shinning and take note of appropriate safety advice.”