TWO adults and eight children had to be rescued after their pleasure boat suffered mechanical failures just off the North Yorkshire coast.

Whitby’s all weather lifeboat was launched at 4pm on Thursday to reach the party who were close to the shore between Runswick and Port Mulgrave.

When the crew reached the boat they decided the safest option for the casualties was to tow the boat back to Whitby harbour with the eight children aboard the lifeboat.

The youngsters were safely transferred to the all weather boat and waited in the wheelhouse until the ropes had been attached.

Station mechanic Richard Dowson said: “It was good to see that the casulaties were all wearing buoyancy aids, it is important to remember that even on a sunny day with calm conditions, you should expect the unexpected and respect the water.

He added: “Luckily today had a happy ending and we returned the 10 casualties safely to the harbour.”

The all-weather boat was able to return to port at around 5.15pm where it was made ready for service.