A man who was airlifted from his stricken yacht was "very lucky to have been found".

Lifeboat volunteers were alerted by the Coastguard on Tuesday (October 31) afternoon following reports an elderly man was stuck on a 16ft yacht somewhere on the River Medway.

A three-team crew from RNLI Sheerness launched at 3.03pm to find the casualty, who was travelling from Faversham to Lower Halstow when his vessel ran aground.

He could not give his precise location but said he could see four cranes from where he was.

It led to rescuers exploring parts of the river including Darnett Ness, Stangate Creek, Queenborough Harbour and up to Kingsferry Bridge.

However after searching for a total of 27 nautical miles, crews remained unable to find him.

With light fading, it meant the Coastguard helicopter, from Lydd, needed to assist the search.

The casualty was eventually spotted high on Millfordhope Marsh, near Upchurch, where, due to the low water conditions, he had to be airlifted off the yacht to safety by the helicopter crew.

RNLI Sheerness' coxswain Paul Jarvis said: "The chap involved in this incident was very lucky to have been found and rescued as he was.

"We urge everyone who is going out on the water, for whatever reason and however short the trip, to have all safety aspects covered.

"Check the tides, make sure VHF, GPS and charts are all in good order and that your craft and its machinery are also fully operational, and that personal safety equipment and suitable sea-going clothing are worn especially at this time of the year.

"Finally make sure someone ashore knows your route, departure and expected arrival times."

The inshore lifeboat was back at base by 5.50pm.