The wreck of John Chapman's boat in Herne Bay

by Ed Targett
A dad has paid tribute to the coastguard for rescuing his wife after a fishing trip nearly ended tragically in rough seas last night.

John Chapman thanked crews after they plucked wife Tina from the choppy waters after she was knocked off their boat.

The 26ft motor cruiser "Jonita" was left a battered wreck, leaking fuel onto Herne Bay's West Beach this morning after the dramatic rescue.

Dad-of-three John, of Western Esplanade, was left badly shaken by the incident while his motor cruiser was in pieces on the beach.

He said: "It blew up all at once. We were just finishing up and it started getting really nasty. I realised we weren't going to make it back to the harbour so all I could do was run her ashore.

"There were three of us. My mate jumped on to the beach, but my wife Tina was knocked into the water. She was getting swept out to sea.

"The coastguard were here really fast and pulled her out."

Coastguard rescue officer Nigel Charman, who runs Bay Boat Tours, said: "Three casualties were rescued from heavy swell by Herne Bay coastguards after their vessel came aground and began to break up.

"They were treated by coastguards until paramedics and ambulances arrived.

"The boat continued to break up until it was strewn along the beach. Coastguards definitely saved lives on Sunday night."

Mrs Chapman, who spent the night in hospital, is now recovering.

Council foreshores officers secured the boat and worked to bring it up the beach to prevent fuel spilling into the water.

John Chapman with his boat Jonita, which was wrecked after taking on water in heavy winds

Debris from the vessel lined the beach for more than 300 yards.

Mr Chapman, 60, added: "I'm just glad my kids weren't aboard as we usually take them out too. Next time I'm going to get a faster boat so I can outrun the storms."