The lifeboat launched following a call to Thames Coastguard reporting a boat sinking near the Whitstable Street Buoy.

As the lifeboat headed out to sea further reports indicated that the casualty was in fact much closer inshore, off Tankerton Bay Sailing Club.

The lifeboat headed towards this new position and found the boat in question, a sailing dinghy, 50 yards offshore. However, as the craft came ashore onto the beach in the rough conditions, the single occupant sustained an injury to his head.

Members of Herne Bay Coastguard assisted the casualty until an ambulance arrived. He was subsequently taken to hospital, and the lifeboat returned to station.