SOUTHEND and Canvey Island coastguards were called into action this evening at around 5:30 after a rigid hull inflatable boat ran aground on Maplin Sands, east of Shoeburyness.
The two occupants of the boat, which was called Daisy, were escorting a second rigid boat which was dependent on them for directions as it was manned by French-speaking crew who were unfamilar with the area.
An RNLI hovercraft was sent to rescue the two ocupants who were brought back to Southend coastguard station where they boarded a life boat, which took them out to Holehaven Creek off Canvey Island where the French boat was located.
The operation was overseen by Southend coastguard from their look-out while Canvey Island Coastguard met the casualities on their return to shore.
There were no injuries to the rescued crews who were later given safety advice by lifeguards.
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