Fast-acting fire crews raced to pump water from a sinking houseboat as it started to go under at dock in Kent.

Two engines and a specialist water safety team were sent to Fishermans Wharf in Sandwich after they were alerted to the stricken barge.

The boat - which was unoccupied - was taking on water, so they used a pump to remove it in an effort to allow the vessel to float.

After more than three hours at the scene, they managed to save the barge from submerging.

The rescue ended shortly after 2.20pm yesterday.

Read more: All the latest news from Sandwich