by Peter Barnett

Ramsgate lifeboat was called out after a stricken oil tanker issued a mayday call.

The launched at lunchtime today following a distress call froom an oil tanker in the English Channel.

The Esme Anderson set course for the vessel 16 miles off the Thanet coast to go to the aid of an injured seaman.

John Ray, spokesman for Ramsgate RNLI, said: "Conditions were extremely poor. The wind was offshore and almost at gale force with extremely rough seas.

"Our crew battled its way towards the tanker but were eventualy stood down from the rescue operation after a Belgian helicopter picked up the crewman."