Thames Coastguard requested the lifeboat to launch after an 18' open boat drifted ashore at Cleve marshes, 1 mile east of Faversham Creek. The boat was unoccupied, but there were personal belongings on board, and it was feared that the occupant could have fallen overboard.

Herne Bay Coastguard began a shoreline search, and an RAF Sea King helicopter was scrambled from Wattisham.

The lifeboat arrived on scene and began a search, however after a few minutes all units were stood down, as the boats owner had contacted Thames Coastguard to inform them that he was safe ashore, having had to abandon the vessel.