THE RNLI is reminding boat owners to check their crafts are seaworthy after two men had to be rescued when their battery ran out.

Tynemouth inshore lifeboat was launched at 8.33pm last night when the occupants of a 15ft powerboat called for help.

They were stranded close to the shore at Herd Sands, South Shields.

The two men, aged 18 and 27, from the South Shields area called Humber Coastguard for help when they found themselves drifting after the engine in their boat, the "Bounty", failed to start.

Volunteer RNLI crewmember Jill McCormick said: "We found the "Bounty" drifting between the Groyne light and South Shields pier just a couple of minutes after launching.

"The two men on board told us their battery was flat and couldn't start their engine.

"We put one of our crew on board for safety and attached a tow rope, taking the boat and the two men to safety at Satellite Quay, South Shields."

An RNLI spokesman said: "This is a timely reminder at the start of the boating season that boat owners should make sure their boat is seaworthy and replace any parts, such as batteries, if there is any doubt about their performance."