A Dutch crew were rescued from their sinking cabin cruiser by Ramsgate RNLI off Thanet Offshore Windfarm.

Both Ramsgate lifeboats were involved in the rescue when the 30ft boat lost engine power and began taking on water. There were two people on board.

Windfarm service vessels stood by as the faster inshore lifeboat, carrying a salvage pump, arrived.

An RNLI crew member, with the pump, was immediately transferred onto the stricken cruiser, which had spent two days sailing from the Netherlands.

With much of the water pumped from the casualty, a further two RNLI crew members from the all weather lifeboat were transferred on board to assess the vessel’s condition of the vessel and make fast a tow line.

The all weather lifeboat then began towing the cruiser back to Ramsgate, accompanied by the inshore lifeboat in case it became necessary to abandon ship.

Once under way, the RNLI crew members aboard the casualty checked to make sure she was not taking in too much water and stayed on board in case the salvage pump was needed again. Once they were satisfied all was well, the inshore lifeboat was released from service.

During the tow back, RNLI crew members managed to restart the ailing boat’s engine.

As the boats approached the harbour, the casualty was released from its tow and able to make its way to a berth and the awaiting coastguard. The lifeboat initially stood by and then recovered the three RNLI crew members and returned to the lifeboat station

The rescue took place at lunchtime yesterday.