FISHERMEN were rescued by Dunbar’s RNLI crew after suffering engine failure near Torness Power Station.

The two anglers raised the alarm at 4.50pm yesterday (Wednesday) when their engine failed about three hours after launching from Dunbar harbour.

The boat drifted onto the concrete blocks that form the harbour near the nuclear power station.

Both lifeboats were launched, with the inshore boat (ILB) leaving from Dunbar harbour at 5.05pm, and the all-weather boat (ALB) launching from Torness at 5.15pm.

Both boats were on scene by 5.20pm.

East Lothian Courier: Two fishermen were rescued by volunteers from Dunbar RNLI. Image: Dunbar RNLITwo fishermen were rescued by volunteers from Dunbar RNLI. Image: Dunbar RNLI

Initially, Dunbar’s Coastguard team, who were also in attendance, managed to throw a line to the anglers and pulled the boat to a small jetty.

There, the ILB crew were able to tow the boat to safety and the two anglers were transferred to the waiting ALB.

Both lifeboats then made their way to Dunbar, where the ILB towed the boat into the harbour for recovery, before collecting the two anglers and bringing them ashore.

Due to low tide, the ALB was unable to access the harbour.

Gary Fairbairn, coxswain, highlighted the importance of both crews.

READ MORE: Fiona Kibby named Dunbar’s first female lifeboat launch authority

He said: “Due to the state of the tide, it was necessary to launch both boats as the ILB was able to reach the casualty vessel in low water.

“The ALB was then able to help bring the two casualties back to Dunbar, while the ILB towed the boat.

“The incident shows the importance of having both boats here at Dunbar.

“The shout was also notable as it gave our trainee ILB helm Jamie Forrester a chance to experience being in command during a service call.”