A windsurfer had to be rescued when he was blown offshore yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

Whitstable Lifeboat was launched just before 5.15pm after people spotted the man frantically waving for help.

Lifeboat crew located the man about a mile off Warden Point and took him on board.

He was landed ashore at Minster and taken into the care of the Sheppey Mobile Coastguard Unit.

Helmsman Dave Parry said: “He and his board were brought onboard the lifeboat. He was most relieved to see us. We found him sitting on his board attempting to paddle ashore. He had been waving a lot hoping someone would see him and he was cold but otherwise uninjured.”

Weather conditions at the time were southwesterly Force Six winds.