The lifeboat launched to assist a 16' angling dinghy with three people on board which had suffered engine failure nine miles north of Whitstable.

There was some initial confusion over the dinghy's position, which was subsequently confirmed by a passing ship.

The lifeboat located the boat mid-way between the Red Sand and Shivering Sand forts. The occupants had managed to restart their engine, but due to a problem with the fuel filter were leaking petrol, and had already lost half of their fuel. 

The lifeboat therefore took the dinghy under tow to Herne Bay Harbour, where Herne Bay Coastguard was on hand to offer safety advice.

The dinghy had set out from Herne Bay at 10pm the previous night, and had been drifting in and around the shipping lanes following the engine problem.

This service was carried out in a relief lifeboat, as our own boat has gone away for refit.

More details here