SEARCH and rescue teams from RAF Wattisham today helped to save two men and two boys from their sinking boat.
SEARCH and rescue teams from RAF Wattisham helped to save two men and two boys from their sinking boat.
The drama unfolded at around 11.30am yesterday.
The Thames Coastguard received a 999 call from a 35ft converted trawler on the North Kent Coast near Whitstable, which had suffered engine failure, lost power and was taking in water with four people on board.
The coastguard immediately launched a search and rescue operation, with RNLI lifeboats launched from Southend, Whitstable and Sheerness.
Rescue Helicopter 125 from RAF Wattisham was on exercise in Norfolk and was diverted to the vessel in distress.
Southend and Whitstable lifeboats were first on scene and took the four people off the boat safely.
A 60-year-old man was suffering from the cold after getting wet and was transferred by helicopter to Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.
The remaining three crew were taken back to shore.
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