THE skipper of a fishing had to be escorted to shore by a lifeboat when a hook became embedded in his hand.

Hartlepool RNLI all weather lifeboat and volunteer crew was launched at 2pm on Sunday and was alongside the ten metre angling boat, with ten people on board, shortly afterwards.

The skipper of the vessel, which was around two miles off Hartlepool, had a fishing hook through his hand.

Two crew members from the lifeboat went aboard the angling boat where they assessed the injury to the skipper who, despite his injury, was able to bring the boat back to Kafiga Landings at the Headland, escorted by the RNLI all weather lifeboat.

The skipper was then transferred to Hartlepool General Hospital where the hook was removed.

Hartlepool RNLI deputy launch authority Ray Walker said: "The skipper of the angling boat did the right thing by asking for our assistance before the injury worsened.

"A quick response from our volunteer crew members ensured that the incident was dealt with promptly and safely."

The RNLI all weather lifeboat returned to its berth at the Ferry Road lifeboat station and was made ready for service by 3pm.