Two fishermen who got into difficulty while fishing for crabs in Margate were saved thanks to a huge rescue operation.

And the experience has prompted a warning about the 'treacherous' conditions and 'deep gullies' along Kent's coastline.

Emergency services and volunteer crews were called to a report of people in the water near the Walpole Bay Hotel just before 9.40pm last night.

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Initially it was believed there were more than two people in the water and rescuers feared for the safety of the other fishermen.

Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat was joined by other emergency services including the coastguard rescue helicopter from Lydd Airport, coastguard rescue teams from Margate and Herne Bay, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), the ambulance service and police.

Firefighters found two men who were in difficulties in the water at the end of the rocks.

They liaised with the lifeboat crew who took the casualties back to dry land where they were met by paramedics.

Fearing there were more people lost at sea, the rescue mission was stepped up and Margate’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat was launched.

But it was soon established that only two people had been involved.

VIDEO: The scene last night as emergency service crews searched the waters for the missing men

Peter Barker, Margate lifeboat volunteer press officer, said: "It was suggested these two persons may have been ‘crabbing’ on the edge of the rocks in the dark.

"The rocks on Thanet’s coastline include deep gullies, which can be treacherous and difficult to see when wading through shallow water, especially in the dark. We urge people to avoid venturing too far out to sea on the rocks and then only when wearing a suitable lifejacket and carrying means of attracting attention."

Emergency services remained at the scene until 11.30pm.

The condition of the men is not currently known.