The lifeboat launched to assist an 18' dive boat capsized 1 mile N of Herne Bay pier head, with seven people in the water clinging to the upturned hull.

The lifeboat arrived on scene, recovered the occupants, and landed them ashore at Herne Bay harbour. It then returned to attempt to tow the boat to the shore. However, this proved difficult in the conditions due to the waterlogged state of the dory, and so assistance was sought from the local fishing boat "Danny Boy", which took over the tow.

      The lifeboat launching on this shout. Click to enlarge.