Dolphins join Redcar RNLI fishing boat rescue

The scene was captured by a helmet-mounted video camera

A routine lifeboat operation off the coast of Teesside attracted some unusual onlookers.

RNLI Redcar volunteers were called out after a fishing boat suffered mechanical failure.

As the lifeboat began towing the disabled craft back to the River Tees, the rescue scene was visited by a small pod of dolphins.

RNLI helmsman Dave Scott said: "They were obviously curious to see what we were up to."

The scene was was captured by the helmet-mounted video camera worn by one of the lifeboat crew.

The fishing boat was towed back to port

Mr Scott said: 'It was an absolute privilege to see such a wonderful natural phenomenon.

"It's certainly the first time for many years they've been spotted in this area during a rescue."