Rescue as boat gets into trouble in Thames estuary

Three people have been rescued after their boat began to sink in the Thames estuary earlier today.
HM Coastguard received a call from the crew of the boat just before 3pm today (28) saying it was taking on water.
Southend RNLI lifeboat and Sheerness Coastguard Rescue Team were called out as well as the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lydd.
However, the helicopter was stood down after the lifeboat got to the scene first and rescued all three people.
Ian Guy, duty controller for HM Coastguard said: ‘This was one of those moments that people need to be prepared for and in this case they were. They had an alerting system which brought attention to the problems they had and they were also wearing life jackets. All three have been safely rescued.
‘We always advise taking equipment that will alert the authorities in the event of a problem, a personal locator beacon or EPIRB or SafeTrx. And the wearing of lifejackets can be the difference between surviving and not surviving going into the water. All these things give much more of a chance of surviving if the worst thing happens.
‘And as always, remember if you’re at sea to take something with you so that you can call us if it does go wrong. And if you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'     

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