HARWICH'S lifeboat crew was called to help a grounded boat with 11 people on board.

The town's inshore lifeboat rushed to the vessel stranded in Walton Backwaters at 2pm on Friday, July 12.

But the RNLI crew was unable to get close to the vessel due to the rising tide.

Discussions with the coastguard lead to the launch of the Walton and Frinton lifeboat to back up the Harwich lifeboat.

The small Y-Boat daughter craft, carried onboard the Walton lifeboat requires less water, and was ideally suited to transfer a tow line to the grounded boat.

With the tide rising, the Walton lifeboat was positioned to attempt to tow the boat into deeper water.

Just after 3.30pm, the stranded vessel was successfully re-floated.

The people on board the re-floated boat were then transferred to the Walton lifeboat for the passage back to Harwich.

Everyone landed safely in Harwich with Holbrook Coastguard Rescue Team on hand to help at about 5pm.

The vessel which had been aground and was towed to Harwich Harbour by the Walton lifeboat.

Both lifeboats were then released to return to their stations.

Neal Sandquest, Harwich RNLI Coxswain, said: "It was great teamwork between our crew and our Walton lifeboat colleagues.

"There was a changing situation, with the state of tide playing a big part and presenting a challenge along the way.

"We are very pleased with the outcome today and excellent to have all individuals safely ashore."