Thames Coastguard requested the lifeboat to launch following several yachts in the Faversham area hearing a VHF radio message reporting a man overboard. The message did not give a vessel's name, or position.

The lifeboat searched initially from the Pollard Spit Buoy, at the eastern entrance to the Swale, up as far as Faversham and Oare Creeks. Fishing vessels and leisure craft in the area were also requested to keep a sharp lookout, whilst Herne Bay and Sheppey Coastguards carried out a visual search from ashore.

After an hour, with nothing untoward having been found, all units were stood down, and the lifeboat returned to Whitstable harbour, prior to displaying at the Whitstable Regatta at Tankerton.