Four people have been rescued after their 10 metre yacht ran aground off the Thanet coast earlier this morning.

The skipper of Chatham-based yacht Spirit issued a Mayday call at 1.46am, reporting they had run aground on the Goodwin Sands.

The Ramsgate RNLI onshore and offshore lifeboats were deployed and arrived at the scene within half an hour.

Winds gusting up to gale force six and rough sea conditions made the rescue extremely dangerous and the lifeboat crews were forced to call for back-up from an RAF rescue helicopter.

A winchman was then able to attach a line from one of the lifeboats to the stricken vessel. It is believed to be the first time a team from Ramsgate has carried out this procedure.

The yacht was then pulled back to safety in Ramsgate harbour where the crew of the yacht were said to be cold and distressed but uninjured.

Frank O'Neil, of Dover Coastguard, said: "During this incident, the good training of both the skipper and the crew as well as following all the correct procedures during an emergency at sea made a significant contribution to this successful rescue.

"We received a comprehensive Mayday and all the information needed to get rescuers on scene quickly."”