A SHIP had to be towed by a lifeboat after it ran aground five miles off the coast of Harwich.Both Harwich RNLI lifeboats were launched to the River Deben sandbar at about 5.45pm.

A SHIP had to be towed by a lifeboat after it ran aground five miles off the coast of Harwich.

Both Harwich RNLI lifeboats were launched to the River Deben sandbar at about 5.45pm yesterday, about five miles east of Harwich.

The 25ft sailing ketch, Sargasso, had run aground with one person onboard. She was towed clear of the sand bank by the inshore lifeboat and allowed to head into Harwich Harbour unaided. Both lifeboats returned to station at 6.50pm.