Thames Coastguard requested the lifeboat to launch to assist a 17' motor cruiser aground in the Swale, near to Harty Ferry. The crew had been paged about an hour earlier when the same craft had broken down off Shell Ness, but the launch had been cancelled when they were able to get their engine running again.

The lifeboat arrived on scene to find the boat high and dry on the mud. As there was no chance of refloating the craft, crewman Martin Easton was put ashore to help lay out an anchor, and assist the five occupants across the mud to the lifeboat.

They were then landed ashore at Harty Ferry and met by Sheppey Mobile Coastguard unit.

The lifeboat then returned to station.

Picture shows the casualties wading ashore at Harty Ferry causeway.

Click to enlarge.