Thames Coastguard requested both Whistable and Sheerness lifeboats to launch to assist a 50' motor cruiser aground just off the beach at Leysdown, Isle of Sheppey.

After having waited for the tide to rise sufficiently, Whitstable Lifeboat passed a towline across to the casualty from Sheerness Lifeboat, and after about forty minutes the vessel refloated.

However, as she slowly cleared the beach, it was reported that she was taking in water. Whitstable Lifeboat therefore picked up two crew members and the salvage pump from Sheerness Lifeboat, and put them aboard the casualty. Due to the rate of water ingress, Sheerness Lifeboat kept the vessel under tow, very close to the shore.

As the water level inside was still rising, despite the pump running, it was decided to beach the vessel. The anchor was dropped, and Whitstable Lifeboat gently towed the craft stern first towards the beach until she grounded, so that her bows were pointing out to sea.

The two crew members and the pump were returned to Sheerness Lifeboat, and the two occupants from the motor cruiser were taken ashore to make arrangements for  repairs and recovery of their boat.

  Sheerness Lifeboat crew prepare the towline

The motor cruiser aground