Thames Coastguard requested the lifeboat to launch to the sailing barge Repertor, taking part in the annual Swale Smack and Barge Race.

The topmast on the barge had broken, and, as it fell to the deck, had injured two of the crew.

After some initial confusion regarding the barge's position, it was located east of the Spaniard Buoy. A lifeboat crewman was put aboard to assess the injuries, and it was decided that one of the casualties could remain on board. The other however, who had suffered a head injury, was put aboard the lifeboat, along with a relative, and landed back at the boathouse to a waiting ambulance.

The injured man is landed ashore