An unoccupied dinghy drifting in bitterly cold seas off Folkestone, Kent sparked a lifeboat launch today.

The Dover lifeboat found the dinghy contained fuel containers, two hand held GPS systems, a VHF radio, a dry suit and clothing. It was fitted with a working engine.

Dover Coastguard watch manager Gordon Wise said: ‘ It was clear there had been some occupancy in the dinghy recently.’ Ominously gales are forecast for the area and the sea temperature is about 10 degrees Celsius.