Search hampered after laser pen shone at Lifeboat crews

A search and rescue operation by the Whitstable Lifeboat was hampered after a laser pen was shone at the lifeboat.

Crews were conducting a search for a kayaker last seen off Hampton Pier, Herne Bay on Saturday evening.

As light faded, the lifeboat was targeted by a blinding green light from the shoreline, between Swalecliffe and Hampton.

Fortunately crews were able to continue the search investigating various radar contacts and located the casualty, a 26-year old male, a 1/2-mile north of Herne Bay pier paddling towards the shore.

He was taken back to shore and reunited with his family.