The lifeboat launched to assist a capsized Laser sailing dinghy 200 yards off the boathouse. It had been on its side for some time, and had been under observation by the lifeboat crew.

The dinghy was righted, and towed alongside to the beach at Whitstable Yacht Club.

One of the crew was landed ashore by the lifeboat, the other was towed in behind a passing kayak, which had been alongside the dinghy trying to assist before the lifeboat's arrival.