The lifeboat launched to assist a 38' motor cruiser aground on the Columbine Spit, at the entrance to the Swale.

The craft had originally reported its position as off Reculver, and Margate Lifeboat had launched to its assistance. However, when Margate Lifeboat could not find it in this location, its position was subsequently confirmed as being off Whitstable.

When Whitstable Lifeboat arrived on scene, a crewman walked across the sandbank to the casualty, with a towline. As the tide flooded the craft was gradually towed off the bank until, at 1507, it was afloat back in the main channel.

Whitstable Lifeboat collected its crewman, and put two members of the Margate crew aboard the motor cruiser, which then resumed its passage to Ramsgate, escorted by Margate Lifeboat.

Whitstable Lifeboat then returned to station.