Thames Coastguard requested the lifeboat to launch to search for an inflatable dinghy with two boys on board, which was overdue on passage from Kingsferry Bridge to Leysdown.

Sheerness inshore lifeboat also launched, to search the Swale from the western end.

As Whitstable lifeboat was launching, a yacht in the Swale reported sighting the dinghy at Shell Ness. The yacht took the dinghy under tow and brought the two occupants aboard.

The lifeboat then rendezvoused with the yacht and took over the tow. As the two boys were cold, they were taken back to Kingferry Bridge, and met by Sheppey Coastguard.