Parts of a sunken boat have washed up on Louisa Bay in Broadstairs after a "challenging" rescue effort.

The vessel found itself in troubled waters on Sunday when it became trapped on rocks just off the shore, with two passengers having to be saved by the RNLI and the coastguard.

The small cabin cruiser then broke apart on the rocks and sank, before debris appeared on beaches the following day.

A spokesman from the Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard Margate along with RNLI Ramsgate Lifeboat were tasked by UK Coastguard to reports of a vessel in difficulty off of Louisa Bay in Broadstairs.

"The vessel ended up on the rocks and both RNLI Lifeboats performed an amazing rescue in very challenging conditions to rescue the two occupants.

"Sadly the vessel could not be saved and started to break up on the rocks."

Officers collected debris after searching the beaches from Louisa Gap to Ramsgate main sands.

It was reported to Thanet District Council, and officers will be conducting the clear-up effort.

An RNLI spokesman said: "At 14.45 the call came through from HM Coastguard for the relief all-weather boat to respond to a distress signal from a motor yacht travelling from Chatham to Ramsgate.

"At the time of launch the boat had suffered engine failure whilst crossing Louisa Bay in Broadstairs.

"The boat launched in good visibility and with a moderate sea state, however on arrival at the scene it was found that the motor yacht had been swept closer to shore with the incoming waves breaking over its bow and it was in danger of sinking."

"The inshore lifeboat was launched as that was able to get into shallower water, and under difficult circumstances managed to safely take both casualties off the motorboat and transfer them to the all-weather, where they were taken into the wheelhouse to warm up.

"Unable to do anything for the motor yacht which had been swept inshore and now lay aground, and could not be towed, both boats returned to station.

Coxswain Ian Cannon said: "Although this took place in shallow water and close to the shore, it was a very difficult situation that the two casualties found themselves in. We are glad that we were able to get to them in time."

HM Coastguard added: "In a coastal emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."