A lifeboat crew spent two hours looking for three “drunk” men who had reportedly gone into the sea in the early hours of the morning.

Whitstable ’s RNLI was called out following a report of up to three “possibly intoxicated” males going into the water off Leysdown on Sheppey.

The station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat raced to the scene at 12.30am on Monday.

Its crew used searchlights to conduct an extensive search of the coastline as far as Shellness with the Sheppey and Medway Coastguard Rescue Teams in attendance on shore.

However, at 2.15am Dover Coastguard called off the search and both lifeboat and coastguard units stood down after nothing was found.

Dave Parry, helm at Whitstable Lifeboat Station, said: “It was a cold night with a fresh northerly wind.

“It was reported that the men were possibly intoxicated which is never a good idea when going into the water.

“Alcohol can seriously impair your judgment, reactions and ability to swim.

“If you’re out drinking near the sea or a river, look out for your mates.

“All too often we hear of people who drown despite never intending to enter the water.

“Slips, trips and falls are common and many alcohol-related accidents begin near, rather than in the water.”

According to the RNLI around one in eight coastal deaths in the UK involve alcohol, and it is a contributing factor in many more water-related incidents.