While returning from an exercise at Harty Ferry, the lifeboat was asked by Thames Coastguard to investigate a small yacht in the vicinity of the Pollard Spit in the eastern Swale because it had been anchored for some time.

On arrival, the body of a male was found in the water, secured to the yacht by a lifeline. It was recovered and brought ashore by the lifeboat. The lifeboat then returned to the yacht and towed it to the harbour.

The coroner was informed. A subsequent post mortem indicated that the man, from South west London, had died of natural causes.