LIFEBOAT crews were called into action when a boat carrying passengers off the Furness coast got into trouble.

The Piel Island ferry, which had 14 people and two dogs on board required assistance after its propellor got caught on its anchor rope.

The incident happened just before 1pm on Sunday April 10, leading to the launch of the Vision of Tamworth lifeboat.

Crewed by Ben Jackson, Alan Cleasby and Andy Baxter it was was launched from its Roa Island base. 

The boat passengers were all issued with life jackets and evacuated to Piel Island.

The ferry and lifeboat crews then managed to cut the anchor rope and free the propellor.

John Falvey, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Barrow said: "We aren't sure how the ferryman managed to foul his propeller with his own anchor rope, but a large powerful spring tide like today's is always likely to be very unforgiving if you make a mistake. 

"The passengers are all safe and well and there was no damage to the vessel so a good outcome."

Meanwhile, a number of walkers were spotted crossing the sands from Foulney Island back to the Roa Island causeway, as the tide raced in.

The lifeboat crew observed the group and put their colleagues on standby for launch in the event of the walkers getting into trouble.

As the tide reached the walkers' thighs, one person was seen to stumble and fall fully into the water before regaining his footing. 

Within a short period of time they finally made it to safety. 

Mr Falvey said: "The outcome of the incident involving the walkers could have been disastrous. 

"We keep trying to inform the public that to walk along the wall connecting Foulney to the Roa Island causeway is hazardous even when the wall is visible. 

"When a powerful tide is running over it anyone could easily be swept away and wouldn't be able to swim against the tide. 

"If they just remain on Foulney the tide will recede and they will be able to conclude their journey in safety. 

"Of all the deaths which occurred at sea around the UK and Ireland in 2014 -15, which was over 400 people, 130 of them were walkers who never had any intention of entering the water. That is a shocking figure and we are trying to educate people to prevent it happening here."