A LIFEBOAT crew was called to a boat which had smoke coming from its engine room.

Harwich RNLI's all weather lifeboat was launched to assist a wind farm support boat with a failed engine shortly before 9am on Tuesday. *August 13*

The boat, with three people on board, had a failed engine and smoke was coming from the engine room.

The RNLI crew arrived at the scene about 40 minutes after being paged.

Other support boats were also shadowing close by ready to provide help.

But the support boat crew had the situation under control and the lifeboat stood by for the passage back to Harwich.

The support boat and lifeboat arrived safely back in Harwich at about 11.45am where Essex Fire Service and a Coastguard Rescue Team were standing by.

Harwich RNLI press officer Daniel Sime said: "This type of incident had the potential to be really very serious.

"Thankfully, the crew on board the casualty vessel had the situation under control and other support vessels were also in the area to provide assistance to their colleagues.

"We were pleased to be on hand to assist and escort them in, with everybody arriving ashore safe and well.

"The response to this incident was a multi agency response and a good team approach with multiple vessels being on hand to assist."

Essex Fire Service has been contacted for comment.