by Rebecca Hughes

Two boats had to be rescued after breaking down and becoming stranded on Sunday.

During one of the busiest weekends of the year for the coastguard, crews were first called to rescue a family whose 26ft Bayliner had broken down on the River Medway and was drifting.

A father and his two daughters, aged 10 and 11, were found safely on the boat named Lady Sarasota.

The lifeboat towed them safely into Gillingham Marina where they were met by Medway Coastguard Unit.

Crews were later called to a speed boat with engine failure near Southend pier.

The crew arrived at the scene around 5.15pm and found two people aboard the craft, which was drifting.

The occupants were taken onboard the lifeboat and the 20ft Campion was towed to Allhallows.

The occupants were taken onboard the lifeboat and the 20ft Campion was towed to Allhallows.

Medway Coastguard Richard Rodgers said: "A lot of people went out on their boats at the weekend because of the warm weather. It’s important that people have life jackets in case they break down and that they are aware that some parts of the sea can be dangerous."