Yacht couple rescued by lifeboats

The Esprit began drifting after the male crewman fell overboard

A couple in their 60s had to be rescued by lifeboats from Sheerness and Whitstable in Kent after the man fell overboard from their yacht.

The man was pulled out of the water by Whitstable lifeboat on Friday afternoon and taken to hospital, but the yacht, the Esprit, then began drifting.

Crewmen were transferred on to the boat - where the woman was in a distressed state - from the lifeboats.

The Esprit was later towed safely to Queenborough harbour.

Barry Crayford, spokesman for Sheerness lifeboat, said the couple, from London, had set out for Ramsgate but had decided to make for the Swale because of bad weather.

The yacht was found one mile north-east of Whitstable.

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