A dramatic six-hour operation saw three people and a dog rescued from a stricken yacht off the Kent coast following a Mayday call.

Lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter were scrambled to the boat adrift 10 miles off Margate to embark upon “a long and arduous rescue”.

Two people who needed immediate medical attention raised the alarm yesterday at about 5.30pm.

They reported the 15-metre motor yacht was disabled and drifting north-west of the seaside town.

Weather conditions were poor with a cold northeasterly force six wind (strong breeze) gusting to force seven (near gale).

Margate lifeboat crew members boarded the vessel and provided treatment to the casualties.

The Ramsgate RNLI stabilised the boat using a towing connection.

Although inclement weather prevented the casualties from being conveyed to the coastguard helicopter, a paramedic was winched down to provide aid.

They were transferred to the Margate lifeboat and therefore able to board the yacht.

But it was decided the casualties should remain aboard so the lifeboat crew and air ambulance paramedic could monitor them.

The lifeboat towed the vessel to Ramsgate harbour and the occupants were passed into the care of paramedics.

The dog was said to be unfazed by the drama, acting as a hot water bottle for one of the casualties, according to one of the lifeboat crew.

Margate RNLI’s Kieran Sharrock said: “The occupants did exactly the right thing by initiating a Mayday call when their situation deteriorated.

“This was a long and arduous rescue for those involved, requiring skill in what was a dynamic situation and what volunteer lifeboat crews are trained for, not to mention the coordination with our flank lifeboat colleagues along with coastguard personnel onshore and in the air.”