An RNLI crew came to the rescue of a person in difficulty after their vessel suffered an engine failure.

The Sheerness inshore lifeboat launched to the M2 Bridge area of Wickham Reach, Rochester, after the Coastguard informed them of a person in a dinghy, who was in trouble and drifting.

Launching at 7pm, on Sunday, March 24, the crew of three located the casualty after the 14 nautical mile passage upstream.

Having checked the casualty was ok the volunteers took the dinghy in tow to the Strood Yacht Club pontoon where it was safely secured at 8.40pm.

The casualty was handed into the care of the Medway Coastguard Rescue Team.

It was later revealed that the casualty had only just purchased the dingy and was not fully aware of the boat’s condition and the ensuing engine issues.

Following this incident Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat Coxswain Paul Jarvis said: “Lack of knowledge resulted in the problems this person had.

“Please enjoy the waters around our local coastline but before taking to the water on or in whatever type of craft you own, or have recently purchased as in this case, make sure everything is in good and working order, all safety equipment is in place and serviceable and that you have a means of contact in case of emergency.

“Finally make sure you have left details of where you are going and what time you expect to be back with someone onshore.”