A man in a rowing boat had to be escorted back to shore amid concerns for his safety.

The crew of Sheerness inshore lifeboat Buster was called at 8.30pm yesterday after the man was reported to be in difficulty trying to row against the strong tide near the West Cant buoy, just east of Garrison Point, Sheerness.

The tug, Svitzer Ganges, had been standing by until the lifeboat arrived. The man had also been seen to leave his boat and climb onto the buoy itself.

Once the lifeboat crew arrived, the man told them he was in training for a boxing tournament and was not in any danger.

They gave him safety advice and persuaded him to head back to the shore, with the lifeboat escorting him.

Once ashore at Garrison Point, where he was camping, he was handed into the care of the Sheppey Coastguard Rescue Team.

The lifeboat crew was back at the station shortly before 9.30pm.