Whilst returning from the previous incident, the boathouse informed the lifeboat of an inflatable drifting half a mile off the Neptune pub.

On arrival the inflatable, a toy whale, was found to contain two pairs of children's sandals. 

In view of this, the lifeboat commenced a search eastwards towards Tankerton. Herne Bay Mobile coastguard unit was also tasked and searched the beaches westwards from Hampton Pier.

The search was completed with nothing further found, and as no one had been reported missing, the lifeboat was released to return to station.