Thames Coastguard requested the lifeboat to launch to assist a 17' angling boat broken down 3 miles north of Herne Bay. The occupants had attempted to start their engine at the end of their day's fishing when the battery had exploded (see photo below).

The lifeboat arrived on scene and brought the two occupants aboard the lifeboat. The craft was then taken under tow and landed ashore at Herne Bay harbour, to be met by the Herne Bay Coastguard unit.