HARWICH'S lifeboat was called into action after a German catamaran collided with a buoy on the River Stour.The incident happened at about 2pm on Friday.

HARWICH'S lifeboat was called into action after a German catamaran collided with a buoy on the River Stour.

The incident happened at about 2pm on Friday.

The vessel was dead in the water with the buoy ropes around her propellers.

On arrival the lifeboat crew freed the obstructions allowing the boat to continue its journey.

Earlier on Friday both Harwich lifeboats were launched at 10.40am to a call for assistance from the Harwich Haven Pilot launch “Prospect” around 12 miles south east of Harwich.

The launch with four people onboard had reported a suspected fire in the engine room was now adrift.

On arrival the lifeboats were informed that the incident onboard had now been resolved but a tow back to the harbour board pontoons would be required. Nobody was injured.