A motorsailor which encountered machinery issues off the north Kent coast has been towed to safety by Margate RNLI.

The occupant of the 27ft-long craft contacted the UK coastguard late this morning, requesting assistance after encountering machinery problems while on passage from Harty Ferry on the river from Swale to Dover.

It was suspected the vessel may have lost its propeller.

The boat was found about four miles north east of Margate at the time, close to busy shipping lanes.

The lifeboat was launched and once on scene the situation was assessed.

After it was established the occupant was safe and well, the craft was taken in tow and berthed around an hour later in the safety of Ramsgate harbour.