A 136 tonne guard vessel had to be rescued early this morning by the RNLI after suffering an engine failure.

Ramsgate lifeboat launched shortly after 5.30am this morning to assist the 23 metre vessel nine miles east of Ramsgate.

Another guard vessel was attempting to tow it, but with limited success due to the wind and tide.

The lifeboat took over once at the scene and brought it into Ramsgate harbour.

A RNLI spokesman said: "Once in the outer harbour the all weather lifeboat requested the assistance of the inshore lifeboat to assist with mooring the casualty vessel alongside the commercial quay.

"Assistance was needed due to the weight and windage of the casualty vessel."