A MAN whose boat was towed to safety after its engine failed will be investigated to check he is complying with the terms of his licence.

A MAN whose boat was towed to safety after its engine failed will be investigated to check he is complying with the terms of his licence.

Brian Sanderson was towed ashore after his cabin cruiser Loyboy broke down, half-a- mile south of the River Axe, Seaton.

The RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat crew were tasked to help the lone sailor by Portland coastguard.

A coastguard report said a crew member had to swim with a radio to the 24-foot cruiser - because there had been no form of communication, although Mr Sanderson denied that he did not have a radio on board.

A spokesman for East Devon District Council said: "As a matter of routine, our beach safety officer periodically checks whether pleasure trip operators are complying with the terms of their licence.

"Following this incident, the officer will be wishing to inspect the operator's accident book to receive a written account of what happened, so he can satisfy himself that everything is in order.

"Our primary objective is ensuring that operators and their vessels are, at all times, fit for purpose, with the safety of the public being paramount."

Mr Sanderson has fought a long battle against EDDC for a fishing concession and had previously contacted the ombudsman, who found EDDC guilty of maladministration in 2007, and he was awarded �10,000 in compensation.

He said he hoped to start mackerel fishing trips for members of the public shortly, once he had carried out further work on his boat.

Mr Sanderson said his engine had failed and he could not restart it - but he had not called the coastguards to assist him.

He said there were already restrictions on his licence and he felt discriminated against.

He said: "The restrictions are not reflected in any other beach under EDDC control."

Mr Sanderson has applied for a licence with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to carry passengers off shore.

An MCA spokesman said because the incident happened while Mr Sanderson's boat was a recreational vessel, and no passengers were on board, it would not affect his application.