A large boat broke free of its mooring and drifted towards the Kent coast.

The unmanned craft was seen in The Swale close to Ham Green, Sheerness and pictured drifting towards Lower Halstow on the mainland.

A HM Coastguard spokesman said: "At 9.40am today, HM Coastguard received multiple 999 calls from members of the public concerned about a vessel having broken free of its moorings on the River Medway near Lower Halstow.

"Medway and Sheppey Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent alongside the Sheerness RNLI all-weather lifeboat.

"The vessel ran aground on the marshes; the owner has been informed and is arranging a tug.

"Sheppey Coastguard Rescue Team will provide safety cover until the vessel is secured."