The lifeboat launched to assist a speedboat broken down off Herne Bay clock tower. 

As the speedboat did not have any lights the three occupants signalled their position to the lifeboat crew by waving an illuminated mobile phone. They were all cold, having been at sea for six hours and dressed in only light clothing.

Although the boat had set out from Herne Bay it could not be recovered there due to the state of the tide, and repairs being carried out to the ramp. 

It was therefore towed to the beach and the occupants landed ashore so that they could collect their car and trailer. The lifeboat then towed the speedboat to Whitstable, where the owners recovered it with assistance from Herne Bay Coastguard and members of the lifeboat crew.

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