Boat runs aground at Winchelsea Beach

The boat was struggling in rough seas and their engine had failed so Rye Harbour RNLI was launched at around 4.30pm to assist.

The cruiser had gone aground near the Mary Stanford Lifeboat House at Winchelsea Beach when the crew arrived and they were helped ashore by Dover Coastguard.

Deputy launching authority at the station Andrew Tollett said: “To stay safe always check the weather forecast and tide times.

“The sea is unpredictable and, at times, a dangerous place.

“During 2013, 2433 RNLI lifeboat launches to yachts and motorboats took place.”

It was a busy weekend for the crew as three kayakers were thought to be in trouble on Saturday (July 25) but it turned out to be a false alarm.

When the crew arrived at about 4.45pm the kayakers said they were fine but they were given some sea safety advice as only one was wearing a life jacket.

Acting lifeboat operations manager at the station Tony Edwards said: “When going afloat always wear a lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help and keep it within easy reach.

“In 2013 305 RNLI lifeboat launches took place to kayakers and canoeists, saving a total of 19 lives.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RyeandBattleObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter Text to display

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Rye and Battle Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.