A barge which became stuck on the sand at Pegwell Bay was towed free by Ramsgate lifeboat.

The 100-year-old sailing barge used as a cruising home had been stuck for three days with its husband-and-wife passengers on board.

Harbour master Colin Carr said: “He was offered a hand to assist him out which he declined and then it all went wrong. We had to supply them with drinking water.”

They had tried to tug the boat free on last Tuesday but had no luck.

On Wednesday, the lifeboat managed to pull it into Ramsgate Harbour where it still remains undergoing repairs.

Lifeboat volunteer John Ray said: “It was in no danger and they had hoped to get it out themselves, but it took the lifeboat to tow it back.”

They lifeboat launched at 1.15pm and the boat was free by 2.30pm.