EIGHT sailors were rescued by two lifeboats in the North Sea when their powered steering and engine failed in a Force Eight gale off the North Yorkshire coast.

The sailing boat Warnhw was sailing from Holland to Scotland when disaster struck and she sent an emergency signal to Humber Coastguard.

As the eight-man crew tried to steer her by hand towards Whitby, the RNLI All-Weather lifeboat from Whitby was launched and took the sailing boat in tow.

But the Force Eight easterlies made the North Yorkshire harbour too dangerous to use and the coastguard sent a second lifeboat to help.

The RNLI All-weather lifeboat from Hartlepool also took the Warnhw in tow and together the two lifeboats brought her safely in to Tees Harbour.

Graham Dawson Coastguard Watch Manager said: ”The weather conditions weren’t ideal for this vessel’s journey from Holland to Scotland but the situation became a lot more challenging when technical problems struck. The skipper did exactly the right thing by calling us on the radio to let us know about his situation before the vessel got in to real difficulty. If you are planning a voyage check weather and tides before you head out and consider postponing your journey if the elements are against you.”