RNLI volunteers have been assisting this afternoon to a stranded fishing vessel.

The alert was raised around 2pm when a small vessel with two people on board contacted UK Coastguard requesting assistance.

The vessel had encountered engine failure while on passage from Ramsgate to the Medway.

It was subsequently washed ashore close to the swimming pool at Walpole Bay to the east of the lifeboat station.

Due to the size of the vessel and possibly requiring assistance in refloating, Margate’s all-weather and inshore lifeboats were both launched to assist.

Margate Coastguard Coast Rescue Team was also tasked to the scene.

Once the lifeboats arrived on scene it was established that the casualty was well aground on a falling tide.

The occupants had made their way ashore and were checked out by the coastguard team who found them all to be safe and well.

As the fishing vessel would soon be high and dry and no further assistance could be provided both lifeboats were recalled and returned to station.

Ian Lowe, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate RNLI said: “This is a timely reminder of the importance of wearing a lifejacket when going afloat, having a marine VHF radio to contact the coastguard and also ensuring the craft is up to scratch mechanically.”