A Seabird Centre catamaran and the RNLI have teamed up to rescue a vessel in trouble near the Bass Rock.

Volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew from North Berwick launched to the aid of a 5.5m recreational fishing vessel which had suffered engine failure off North Berwick on Tuesday afternoon.

The skipper called for help after their primary engine failed to start and the auxiliary engine was unreliable.

They anchored whilst awaiting for assistance which initially came in the form of a local tour boat operating from the Scottish Seabird Centre which took the casualty vessel under tow.

RNLI volunteers launched at 2.23pm and took over the tow once on scene, bringing the casualty vessel safely into a mooring in the west bay, North Berwick.

The skipper was then brought ashore where they were met by North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Seabird Centre said: “Our Seabird Centre catamaran cruise responded to a vessel in trouble close to our location on Tuesday, July 11.

“Skipper Nigel Smith and guide Ian Bissett of Seafari Adventures Forth were able to establish a tow line onto the vessel and tow it back towards North Berwick harbour before handing over to the excellent team from the RNLI who brought it in safely.”

John McCarter, volunteer helm at North Berwick Lifeboat said: “Although you may have the qualifications, experience and take all precautions, at sea the situation and conditions can rapidly change. You need to be able to call for help.

“On a vessel, your best option is a VHF radio which you can use to contact the coastguard on channel 16. This can also help to alert nearby vessels who might be able to help.

“At the very least you should have a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch so that you can dial 999 for the Coastguard.”