The lifeboat launched to a report of a capsized sailing dinghy half a mile off Preston Parade, Seasalter, with one person in the water.

On arrival the dinghy was located, but with no sign of the occupant. A search was commenced, but after a few minutes the occupant was found safe on the beach, having been landed ashore by another boat.

The lifeboat returned to the dinghy, and attempted to right it. However the mast had dug into the seabed, and then snapped in the choppy conditions. The mast and sail were therefore brought aboard the lifeboat, and the dinghy towed alongside, still inverted.

Whilst heading back inshore the lifeboat located a speedboat, which had come out to assist, and subsequently broken down. The three occupants were brought aboard the lifeboat and the speedboat taken in tow, also alongside. 

Both boats were then landed ashore at Seasalter Ski Club, to be met by Herne Bay Coastguard mobile.

See also the KM News story here