Three people had to be rescued after a 42ft yacht broke down in the water.
The Tynemouth RNLI were called early on Wednesday morning after being alerted to the incident.
The boat's engine had failed so while those inside may have been able to sail, they wouldn't have been able to manoeuvre safely around the harbour, the RNLI said.
The crew's lifeboat towed the yacht back to safety and everyone involved was safe.
A spokesperson said: "At 5.12am this morning, the Tynemouth All Weather lifeboat was called to a 42ft Yacht four miles south of the River Tyne with a broken down engine.
"There were three people on board.
"They requested assistance as their engine had failed and while they might have been able to sail, they wouldn't have been able to manoeuvre safely in the harbour."
"Once safely under tow all was looking well for the hour trip back into the Tyne."
