TROON'S Lifeboat crew raced to help a vessel with machinery problems on Tuesday morning. 

The RNLI station's lifeboat launched just after 11am on September 24, after being tasked by Belfast Coastguard to a 26-foot vessel nine miles off the coast from Troon harbour.

After a short passage, the lifeboat crew spotted the casualty vessel and were soon alongside.

After consultation with those on-board, it was decided that the safest option was to tow the casualty vessel to the nearest suitable port.

The vessel was then taken under tow back to Troon, where it was berthed alongside in the harbour with the assistance of the Ayr Coastguard Rescue Team.

With the vessel alongside, the all-weather lifeboat returned to station where it was made ready for service with the assistance of the shore crew.

Jim Redmond, Troon RNLI lifeboat operations manager, said: "Machinery failure can happen unexpectedly when out at sea and is the largest single cause of RNLI lifeboat callouts.

"To help prevent this ensure your engine is well maintained, carry enough fuel for your journey and if you do encounter problems contact the Coastguard via VHF radio or by calling 999."