Rescue crews answered an early morning mayday call after a 40ft yacht ran aground this morning.

At around 5am Dover Coastguard had a call from the Justice - on its way from Ramsgate to The Thames with two people on board.

The yacht had grounded on the Hook sands, off the North Kent Coast between Herne Bay and Margate, and was taking on water.

Dover Coastguard sent Margate Coastguard Rescue Team, as well as requesting the launch of the Margate Lifeboat and a Rescue Helicopter from Belgium.

Crews managed to tow the now-capsized vessel off the sands, but it eventually sank, leaving both crew stranded in the water.

The two people were rescued by the Belgian helicopter and taken to Margate Hospital, where they were later discharged with no injuries.