The lifeboat, the Keith Anderson, aground off Hartlepool

The Hartlepool offshore lifeboat, the Keith Anderson, was alerted after a pleasure craft reported engine failure off the town's coast.

But as the Arun class lifeboat escorted the 18ft craft back into Hartlepool, it ran aground in thick fog.

Crew members were forced to call for help from other lifeboats after finding themselves stranded.

The Hartlepool Atlantic 75 class inshore lifeboat BBC Radio Cleveland, was launched to cover the rescue operation and the three man crew of the Hustler pleasure boat was escorted to safety.

Meanwhile, Teesmouth lifeboat was alerted to the scene to stand-by the stranded lifeboat.

A spokesman for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) said: "Some damage was sustained to the boat's propellers and rudders but the six crewmen suffered no injuries.

"A full RNLI investigation will take place to ascertain the cause of the grounding."

The lifeboat was towed into Hartlepool marina after the Friday incident.

It was later taken to Northumberland for examination and repair.

A replacement rescue vessel has been brought in to Hartlepool.