Thames Coastguard requested the launch of both the Whitstable and Sheerness Lifeboats following the activation of a distress beacon believed to be somewhere in the Swale (Sheerness Lifeboat, being a larger all-weather boat, carries equipment which can give a bearing to the beacon).

A search was commenced through the Swale. However, it became apparent that the beacon was well to the east of the Swale entrance, and so Whitstable lifeboat was released from the incident, with Sheerness Lifeboat continuing the search.

Nothing was found, and the beacon was  believed to have been accidentally activated aboard a ship passing up the Thames Estuary.