A FISHING vessel was saved by Hampshire lifeboat crews after being struck with engine failure.

Rescuers from Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) were launched by the UK Coastguard to assist the boat shortly before 1am today (Sunday, October 14).

Five people were on board when the vessel was anchored one nautical mile off Gilkicker Point.

The Gosport based crew rescued the stranded boat and towed it to Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

GAFIRS senior helm Brian Pack said: "We soon found the fishing vessel, despite the murky conditions, and took them under tow back to their home port of Cowes.

"They were very pleased to get safely back ashore a couple of hours later."