Two people have been rescued off the Lincolnshire coast near Boston after their single-person hovercraft broke down overnight, the RNLI has said.

At 12.10am today (Thursday, August 27), Hunstanton RNLI’s volunteer crew were requested to assemble, after being tasked by HM Coastguard to assist the duo on Wrangle Flats.

Hunstanton’s hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer and inshore lifeboat (ILB) Spirit of West Norfolk responded to the incident.

Writing on Facebook, Hunstanton RNLI said: “Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 912 assisted by identifying a safe route across the mudflats, helping Hunstanton Flyer navigate the deep gullies to reach the two casualties.

A photo shared by RNLI Hunstanton on Facebook as it detailed the all-night call-out on Wrangle Flats.

placeholder image — A photo shared by RNLI Hunstanton on Facebook as it detailed the all-night call-out on Wrangle Flats.

“Both casualties were safely recovered and transferred to Spirit of West Norfolk. The ILB then transported them back across The Wash to Heacham, where they were reunited with their vehicle.

“Conditions proved particularly challenging for the crew of Hunstanton Flyer on the return journey, with the height of the swell making the passage across The Wash difficult for the hovercraft.”

Hunstanton Flyer and Spirit of West Norfolk returned safely to Hunstanton Lifeboat Station at about 4.30am, Hunstanton RNLI said.

“The work didn’t finish there,” the post continued. “Both life-saving assets then needed to be refuelled, rehoused and made ready for service again.

“With everything completed, the volunteer crew were finally able to head home at around 6am for some much-needed sleep — nearly six hours after the initial call.”

Concluding the post, it said: “A fantastic example of teamwork between Hunstanton RNLI and HM Coastguard, with everyone working through the night in challenging conditions to bring two people safely back to shore.”

Anyone who sees someone in difficulty on the coast, is asked to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.