The lifeboat launched to a report of a motor cruiser drifting off Beltinge, east of Herne Bay.

The lifeboat located the craft 1/4 mile west of the East Last Buoy, with no one on board. The cabin was locked, and it was clear that it had broken adrift from its mooring.

A crew member was placed on board, and a tow was commenced towards Whitstable.

Meanwhile, Herne Bay Coastguard had managed to contact the owner. He made his way to Herne Bay harbour, was taken out on a jet ski to meet the lifeboat, and was put aboard his boat.

The lifeboat then returned to station, and the motor cruiser returned to its mooring at Whitstable under its own power.