A solo sailor from Shotley had to be rescued by the RNLI after getting into difficulties in the North Sea.

A Lifeboats crew from the Lowestoft based Patsy Night raced out to the 26ft yacht, which had got into difficulties after setting off from Shotley marina and could not start his engine when he initially got int difficulties.

Lifeboat Deputy Second Coxswain Philip Holdsworth said: "On arrival, the solo crewman on the vessel told us that he had sailed from Shotley earlier in the day but was not making any headway under sail so tried to start his engine without success.

"The vessel was about three-and-a-half miles off Covehithe and his call to UK Coastguard for assistance was overheard by a Lowestoft-based wind farm crew transfer vessel who kindly stood by the craft until we arrived.

"The sea was a bit choppy with a 2-3ft swell. We were able to connect a towline and bring the vessel the seven miles back to the safety of the RNSYC Marina arriving back at 9.15pm, where the yachtsman was met by members of Lowestoft Coastguard Rescue Team."

The rescue came on a day when our local coastguard and RNLI crews called out on a day when the RNLI and HM Coastguard dealt with 340 across the whole of the UK on Saturday (August 8) – the organisation's highest amount of call-outs in a single day for more than four years.

Packed coastlines and beaches kept them very busy throughout another hot heatwave day, which saw Coastguard Rescue Teams attend 221 incidents alone.

Both the RNLI and independent lifeboats were called out on 155 occasions combined and aircraft (30 taskings) were also used to assist at the coast and sea.

HM Coastguard responded to 186 999 calls yesterday and coordinated search and rescue responses to a wide-range of incidents, which included people being cut off by the tide and children swept out to sea on inflatables.

We understand that people want to have fun at the coast and enjoy the heatwave but we urge everyone to respect the sea and take responsibility in helping to ensure the safety of themselves, friends and family.

"We're heading into a period of more good weather so we want to remind you to check and double check tide times as even the most experienced swimmer or keen watersports enthusiast can get caught out by currents and tides. Plan your day out, always exercise caution and make sure you have a way of contacting us if you get into trouble."

He added: "As our latest statistics show, we'll always respond when someone calls 999 and asks for the Coastguard but help us to help you by not making choices which could put yourself and others at risk.

"Every time our frontline teams respond – as they always do and always will – please don't forget that they're also put at risk too. Take extra care at the coast today and over the coming days. We don't want you to remember your day-out for all the wrong reasons."

For all emergencies at sea or along the coastline call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.