THREE crew members had to be rescued from their boat today after a fire developed in the engine.
THREE crew members had to be rescued from their boat today after a fire developed in the engine.
The drama unfolded onboard the Haven Hawk pilot boat at around 1pm, 15 miles south east of Harwich.
A lifeboat from Harwich was sent to the vessel, before calling for assistance from the RAF rescue helicopter, based at Wattisham.
The crew was airlifted to safety at Walton on the Naze, while the lifeboat doused the flames on the Haven Hawk and towed her to Harwich Harbour.
A spokesman for the Thames Coastguard said the crew were not injured in the incident.
The situation was dealt with by 4.20pm.
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