A father and son had to be rescued by the RNLI when their yacht broke down near busy shipping lanes.

The 28-foot vessel was becalmed with no wind but drifting dangerously close to commercial shipping routes off the Isle of Sheppey.

The Sheerness all-weather lifeboat was launched just before 9pm on Monday and found the yacht floundering in the Warps area of the Thames Estuary before towing it to safety.

RNLI spokesman Vic Booth said: "The yacht had broken down and with no wind to set its sails it was drifting towards the very busy main shipping lanes.

"The yacht, with a father and son onboard, was in difficulties following engine failure. With the lack of any wind it was not possible to set sail to get out of trouble."

The lifeboat crew made contact using VHF radio and found the yacht at 9.18pm. They attached a tow-line and took it to Queenborough Harbour, making it secure on the all-tide landing at 11.34pm.

The RNLI has repeated its warning to sailors to check the condition of their boats before setting sail.

Mr Booth said: "If individuals are choosing to go sailing or yachting it is important to ensure that equipment is properly checked and serviceable before going afloat."

In a coastal emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.