A converted trawler with three people on board suffered steering failure and had to be towed back into port by the crew of Falmouth lifeboat.

The station’s Severn class all-weather lifeboat Richard Cox Scott was launched yesterday afternoon to assist a 25-metre steel motor yacht with steering failure off the Eastern Breakwater.

Falmouth Packet: The Ladykate suffered steering failureThe Ladykate suffered steering failure (Image: Falmouth RNLI)

The vessel Ladykate with three people on board, had been en-route to Fowey when the problem occurred.

The lifeboat left its pontoon at 1.20pm under the command of Deputy Second Coxswain Adam West. This was Adam’s first service in command since qualifying as a coxswain last November.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 1.30pm where conditions were good with a force two northerly wind, a smooth sea and excellent visibility.

Falmouth Packet: Falmouth lifeboat alongside LadykateFalmouth lifeboat alongside Ladykate (Image: Falmouth RNLI)

The Falmouth Harbour Commissioners vessel Killigrew was also in attendance and the motor yacht had dropped its anchor.

A spokesperson for Falmouth lifeboat station said: "The lifeboat crew set up an alongside tow and, with the Killigrew clearing vessels ahead to create a passage, the casualty was towed to the Frigate Buoy and made fast with the help of the Harbour Commissioners crew.

"With the motor yacht secure, the lifeboat was released from service at 2.28pm and returned to station."