Emergency crews were called after a boat ran aground and began filling up with water.

Volunteers from RNLI Gravesend were alerted by the UK Coastguard to a vessel at Stoneness, near Dartford Bridge.

The boat had run aground and was taking on water whilst en route to Henley-On-Thames at 9.25am today.

RNLI's Connor Edwards, one of four lifeboat crew members, said: "Thankfully a passer-by spotted the casualties on board the vessel bailing water and calling for help.

"They did the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the coastguard.

"We managed to get on scene at 9.45am and immediately set up the salvage pump to start bailing water. There were four crew on board the vessel and despite the situation, all were in good spirits."

A team from the Metropolitan Police Marine 3 boat and Port of London’s Harbour launch vessel Kew also arrived, but was stood down shortly afterwards by HM Coastguard.

RNLI’s Thames Commander Stewart Chalis added: "By the time the water level had reduced in the engine compartment, we managed to spot the issue and were then able to reattach the offending engine hose.

"By this point the tide had risen enough to allow the vessel to refloat.

"The vessel successfully started its engines and Gravesend RNLI’s Olive Laura Deare II escorted it to Gravesend Reach until the crew were happy enough to continue their journey back to Leigh-On-Sea."

Gravesend RNLI's team was stood down by the coastguard at 11.29am.