RESCUERS towed a yacht to safety today after it got into difficulties off the Suffolk coast.The RNLI Harwich-based all weather lifeboat received a Mayday emergency distress call at 10.

RESCUERS towed a yacht to safety today after it got into difficulties off the Suffolk coast.

The RNLI Harwich-based all weather lifeboat received a Mayday emergency distress call at 10.30am from the 28ft yacht Auberge, which was taking on water with engine and rigging failure in rough seas six miles east of Felixstowe.

The yacht's elderly sailor was having difficulties communicating with Thames Coastguard and unsure of his craft's exact position.

The lifeboat successfully located the yacht and towed in to the safety of Shotley Marina about 1.25pm.