Crews were forced to search for a family after they failed to return to the boatyard.

HM Coastguard Southend were called shortly before 1am for an overdue vessel with two adults and a three-year-old on board based out of Wakering Boatyard.

Friends of the vessel owner has called 999 Coastguard with concern that they had lost contact with the vessel owner.

They had spoken to earlier in the day when they informed they the vessel had run aground and were waiting for the next available high tide.

The family had been expected to come back on the next tide by 10pm and could not be reached by phone.

Dover MRCC requested the team proceed to Wakering Boatyard to conduct a search for the missing family and vessel.

After 20 minutes at the very end of the jetty Coastguard Officers noticed something unusual in the darkness slightly moving out on the water in the creek with no lights.

It was confirmed to be the missing vessel with two adults and the three-year-old child fully accounted for.

The vessel owner confirmed the vessel had grounded earlier and had waited for the next tide but had continued to stay anchored in the locale rather than return back to the boatyard.

They confirmed they were not in any distress and had plenty of provisions on board.

Once the family and vessel were confirmed to be fully accounted for and safely moored up at the jetty, safety advice was provided and Dover MRCC informed before standing down the team at 2.30am.