A lifeboat crew today hauled a man from the sea after his speedboat capsized off the coast of Kent.

The Littlestone Lifeboat crew in Romney Marsh rescued the man at about 10.45am, following eye-witness reports and an alert from the Dover Coastguard.

The man, who was wearing a life-jacket, was in the water for 15 minutes before being rescued and treated at the lifeboat station.

He didn’t sustain any injuries but South Coast Ambulance paramedics treated him for coldness, according to operations manager Charlie Davies.

Mr Davies added: “We do training at the station on Sunday mornings so we were able to get to him quickly.

“Four or five members of the public saw the accident and came and told us, so we quickly launched.

“The man didn’t sustain any injuries, he was just cold.”

Once the man was safe the crew re-launched and towed the speedboat to the lifeboat station, where it was returned to the owner.

Mr Davies highlighted the importance of staying safe in the water.

He said: “At this time of year it is quite cold, just be careful out there and make sure you have the right equipment.

“Make sure you check the weather forecast, wear the correct gear, act sensibly, and ensure you have a distress flare.

“If you take a mobile phone make sure it is in waterproof casing.”

The Dungeness Coastguard was also in attendance.